Retour

Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast AI for Kids

Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de AI for Kids. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.

Rows per page:

1–50 of 93

TitreDateDurée
AI Can Be Brilliant and Completely Wrong, Here’s Why (Middle School and up)13 Oct 202600:33:52

Send us Fan Mail

AI can write poems, answer questions, and sound confident, but does it actually understand what it’s saying? We sit down with Reed Koch, Director of Engineering at KungFu.ai, to unpack what “intelligence” means in machine learning and why computers can be both impressive and hilariously confused at the same time.

Reed shares his unusual path into AI through languages, linguistics, and natural language processing (NLP), then makes big ideas feel simple with stories kids (and adults) can remember. We talk about generative AI and how tools like ChatGPT often work more like “singing the next line” than thinking like a person. Along the way, Reed breaks down key concepts like pre-trained transformers, classification vs generative models, and the difference between supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

We also get practical: where kids can start learning Python, how community groups and camps help you stick with it, and why prompt engineering is becoming a real skill. Reed tells a wild example of an AI system that struggled with “fake apple” reviews and Halloween costumes, then connects it to a bigger point about data quality, bias, and responsible AI design.

If you’re curious about AI for kids, coding for beginners, NLP, and AI safety, hit play, share this with a parent or teacher, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation. What’s one job you wish AI could help with, and what’s one job it should never do alone?

Reed offers practical advice on getting started with AI through resources like Code Academy, Code Combat, kidspython.com, and Black Girls Hack, emphasizing that community-based learning through classes and camps often provides the best support.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How a Teen Uses AI to Turn Lyrics Into Songs (Middle School and up)29 Sep 202600:21:44

Send us Fan Mail

A teen writes the lyrics, AI builds the sound, and suddenly a song that used to live only in her head can play out loud. That’s the creative shift we dig into with Rachel Schaub, a 17-year-old songwriter who’s using AI music tools to move faster, stay inspired, and keep making pop tracks even without a full band or studio.

We talk through Rachel’s real workflow step by step: how she starts with a song title, drafts her own lyrics, then uses Suno to generate the music and refine the style until it matches what she imagined. She also shares how she uses ChatGPT for song title ideas that feel aligned with the artists she loves while still keeping her work original. Along the way, we play a couple of quick games to pressure-test what should stay human, what can be AI-assisted, and where the line is between a helpful sidekick and letting AI take over.

We also hit the safety and ethics that families need to know, including a clear reminder about minors and AI voice training: if you’re under 18, you can’t use your own voice to train AI, so you’ll need parent involvement or different approaches. Rachel, who lives with autism, talks about confidence, performance, and her best advice for young creators with big ideas: find the one thing that starts your journey, and write ideas down before they disappear.

Check out Rachel and her music:

https://rachelschaub.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5j1ZERBGZ7otAa893wDGdY
https://www.youtube.com/@rachelschaub1

New York to Chicago Song:
https://youtu.be/AMlENtbLviM?is=23DlZYiREn1dhesj

Subscribe, share this with a young creator in your life, and leave a review with your take: where do you want AI to help most in the songwriting process?

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Brain Before Bot: 5 AI Rules for the New School Year15 Sep 202600:10:25

Send us Fan Mail

AI is not coming to school someday. It is already there, tucked into search boxes, video recommendations, study apps, and yes, the chatbots everyone talks about. We’re kicking off the new school year with a clear-eyed look at what that means for kids, parents, and teachers, starting with a surprising stat: 86% of kids ages 9 to 17 have used AI. So the question is not whether students will use artificial intelligence, but how we can use it without handing over our thinking.

We share five practical rules for AI literacy that you can actually remember during homework time: Brain Before Bot (try first, then ask for help), Teacher Before Tool (every class has its own rules), Check The Robot (AI can sound right and still be wrong), Private Means Private (no personal info in AI tools), and People Before Programs (AI is never the right place for bullying, safety concerns, or big feelings). Along the way, we give kid-friendly examples and better ways to prompt AI, like asking for hints, alternate explanations, and quiz practice instead of full answers.

We also play a quick “AI or me” game to test real school scenarios, then we end with a back-to-school AI challenge: find one way technology can help you learn without doing the learning for you. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a family member or teacher, and leave a review so more kids can build smart and safe AI habits.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Your Brain Still Matters + Season 3 Recap and Finale (Kids, parents, & teachers) 23 Jun 202600:25:19

Send us Fan Mail

AI can feel like magic until you look closer and realize it’s built on choices, data, and a whole lot of guessing. For our Season 3 finale of AI for Kids, we pull together the biggest takeaways from the season and turn them into simple, usable rules kids can remember and grown-ups can support at home, in libraries, and in classrooms. The bottom line stays the same: you don’t have to fear artificial intelligence, but you do have to think, pause, and stay curious.

We talk about what AI literacy for kids really means beyond “typing a good prompt.” It’s the habit of asking better questions: Did this help me learn or just hand me an answer? Does it sound true or do I need to verify it? We also revisit why data literacy matters so much, with everyday examples like checking the weather, budgeting money, and forecasting toward a goal. Those small moments teach kids how to reason with information, which is exactly what they need when they face AI hype, viral screenshots, or content that might be misinformation.

Then we get real about safety and boundaries. We unpack why human-like chatbots and character AI can be unhealthy when kids start treating a word generator like a person, and why “easy” is often a warning sign for sloppy or wrong. We also explore AI toys and hyper-personalization, including how a talking toy that follows one interest can shrink imagination instead of expanding it. For parents and teachers, we share a practical “parent in the loop” mindset: define the goal, choose tools built for kids and stay involved as the tech changes.

If this season helped your family, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more parents, teachers, and caregivers can find it. What’s one AI rule you want kids to remember this summer?

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Can a Robot Fix Grandma's Pipes? Why Jobs Still Need Human Hands (Kids, parents, & teachers)09 Jun 202600:32:15

Send us Fan Mail

AI is getting louder, faster, and more impressive by the week and that can make kids wonder what’s left for humans to do. We wanted to bring a calmer, more real-world answer: the future still needs people who can build, fix, and make things when life breaks in unpredictable ways.

I’m joined by Archie D. Nettles, Jr., creator of Trades to the Rescue and the TradesTopolis universe. He writes kids as the heroes of infrastructure, the ones who solve the problems that actually keep homes and cities working. We talk about what “skilled trades” really means, why plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, carpenters, and mechanics are often the unsung heroes, and why these careers deserve the same early attention kids give to astronauts and doctors.

Then we get into the AI question everyone asks: can robots really do these jobs? Archie explains why dexterity, tight spaces, and human trust make many trade tasks hard to automate, especially when you need help at 9 p.m. on a Sunday. We also flip the script to show how AI can be a teammate: faster planning, parts lookup, real-time estimates, better customer answers, and safer work with augmented reality that helps visualize what’s behind a wall or how electrical currents flow.

If your kid loves Legos, inventing, fixing toys, cooking, or asking “how does that work,” this is a confidence boost and a roadmap. Subscribe, share with a family who’s thinking about careers, and leave a review so more kids can hear that there’s more than one way to be smart.

Resources:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How 4th Graders Used AI to Hunt Vampire Fish (Elementary School)26 May 202600:08:46

Send us Fan Mail

Vampire fish in the Great Lakes sounds like a prank until you learn sea lampreys are real and they’re chewing through ecosystems like trout and salmon. We start with that eerie mental image, then take a hard turn into something hopeful: kids solving a real environmental problem with artificial intelligence, creativity, and a strong sense of what “safe” should mean.

A team of fourth graders in Michigan enters the Presidential AI Challenge and builds a concept called the Guardian of the Lakes, an AI-powered drone designed to spot sea lampreys even in murky water and remove them while leaving other fish alone. We unpack the big idea powering their invention: computer vision. When a student says the drone “detects patterns,” that’s the clearest definition of AI you’ll hear all week. We connect it to everyday tech kids already know, like self-checkout systems that can tell a banana from an apple.

Then we focus on the part adults often skip: AI safety and privacy. One kid nails the rule in plain language, reminding us that helpful AI can’t come at the cost of tracking people or grabbing private information in public spaces. To make the learning stick, we share a screen-free activity, the Guardian Game, where your family or class picks a neighborhood problem, designs a “guardian,” decides what patterns the AI must recognize, and sets one safety rule.

If you want practical AI literacy for kids, STEM education ideas, and a real story about responsible innovation, press play. Subscribe, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave a review so more families can build safer, smarter AI habits together.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

That "Kid" in Your Roblox Game? Might Be a Bot. (Elementary School)12 May 202600:08:30

Send us Fan Mail

A character in your game says hi back, remembers your name, and chats like they actually know you. That can feel amazing and also a little risky, because more and more games are adding AI powered NPCs that can hold real conversations through tools like Roblox text generation and Minecraft add-ons. When a game starts talking like a person, kids need a few simple rules to stay safe without losing the fun. 

We break down three big takeaways for navigating AI in video games. First, an AI character is not your friend, even if it sounds kind, curious, and supportive, so it should never become the place you share secrets. Second, what you type or say can be stored by the company running the AI, which is why personal info like your real name, school, or where you live is always a no. Third, AI can be confidently wrong, a problem often called hallucinating, so if something feels weird, scary, or off, you pause and check with a trusted grown-up. 

We also share a screen-free family activity called “Bot or Not” that helps kids spot the difference between clean, generic, super-polite bot answers and the messy, specific details real humans tend to give. If you want practical online safety guidance for kids, parents, and caregivers as AI shows up in everyday apps and games, hit play, share this with a family you know, and subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the show.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How to THINK About AI Before It Thinks for You (Older kids, parents, & teachers)28 Apr 202600:24:32

Send us Fan Mail

AI sounds smart. But that doesn’t mean it’s right. And it definitely doesn’t mean it should be doing your thinking for you.

This week, Dhani Ramadhani joins the show. She’s a mom, a Harvard grad, a GovTech expert, and the creator of aiPTO, a resource built to give families real language for talking about AI at the dinner table. 

Dhani shares the THINK framework, five letters that put YOU in charge when you’re using AI. 

WHAT WE COVER

  • The THINK framework: Take time before you believe, How does it work, Intention, Never share private info, Keep your brain in charge
  • aiPTO: what it stands for (AI, Parent, Tech, Opportunity) and how families can  leverage their resources 
  • Deepfakes: what they are, why they’re hitting schools, and the Take It Down Act
  • AI bias: how training data shapes what AI says and who it serves
  • Privacy: why your selfie might be training an AI model right now
  •  Agency: why YOU matter more in this world than you realize

FOR KIDS: TRY THIS AFTER THE EPISODE

  • Pick one thing in your life that bugs you (meal planning, homework, organizing). Try using AI to help, but run it through the THINK framework first.
  • Ask yourself: am I using AI to learn or to skip the hard part? No judgment, just be honest about it.
  • Audit your screen time. Is the algorithm pushing you toward something, or are you choosing it?

RESOURCES & LINKS

Her children's book: The Power of Pondering: Empowering Kids to Think for Themselves in the Age of AI

aiPTO (aiparenttech.com)

The THINK Framework on aiPTO

AI Everywhere book (feat. Dhani’s chapter)

Take It Down (NCMEC) — deepfake removal tool

Dhani on Instagram: @aiPTO365

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

AI Takes 3 Seconds to Steal Your Voice. One Step Stops It. (Elementary School)28 Apr 202600:07:49

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we’re tackling one of the scariest AI scams happening right now: voice cloning. Criminals are using AI to copy someone’s voice from just a few seconds of audio, a TikTok, a voicemail, a birthday video, and then calling their family pretending to be them. The calls sound real. The panic is real. And families across the country are losing money to it.

But there’s a dead-simple way to protect your family. One step. We break it all down.

  • How AI voice cloning works: and why it only needs about 3 seconds of audio
  •  Where scammers find your voice: social media posts, voicemails, school event videos
  • How the scam plays out: fake emergency calls to parents and grandparents
  • The family code word: a simple, private word or phrase that stops the scam cold
  • What else you can do: calling back on saved numbers, being thoughtful about what you post
  • Why you should tell your grandparents: they’re the #1 target

The One Step: Set Up a Family Code Word

Pick a secret word or phrase that only your family knows. Never post it, never text it, never put it in a video. If anyone ever gets a scary call from someone claiming to be a family member, the first thing you do is ask: What’s the code word?

Set it up tonight at dinner. It takes two minutes. Your family will be more protected today than it was yesterday.

Action Items for Kids

  1. Talk to your family tonight about choosing a code word
  2.  Call or visit your grandparents and help them set one up too
  3.  Think about what you post online
  4. If you get a weird call: don’t panic, hang up, call the person back on their real number

Links & Resources

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Why Everything You See Online Is Trying to Get Your Attention (Older kids, parents, & teachers)14 Apr 202600:42:49

Send us Fan Mail

This week, Amber sits down with digital producer and internet culture veteran Matt Silverman for a real talk about algorithms, slop, screen addiction, and why being a little bit skeptical online might be the most important skill a kid can have right now.

Matt has spent decades covering how the internet works — and more importantly, how it works on us. He breaks it all down in a way that actually makes sense, whether you're 10 or your parent is 45.

In this episode:

  • Why the internet shifted from connecting people to feeding you content, and who profits from that
  • What "digital literacy" actually means (hint: it's three questions)
  • The difference between harmless scrolling and content engineered to manipulate you
  • What AI-generated "slop" is and why it's getting harder to spot
  • Why being bored might actually be good for your brain
  • The screen-free comedy podcast made 100% by humans, for kids

The 3 questions to ask before you like, share, or believe anything online:

  1. Who made this?
  2. Why did they make it?
  3. Why is this platform showing it to me?

Check out this week's newsletter on Tuesday for a screen-free activity that relates to these three questions.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

  • Matt Silverman
  • Tales from the Cloud Sea: The completely improvised, screen-free comedy adventure podcast for kids.
  • Locket: The low-key, non-algorithmic photo-sharing app Matt recommends as a healthier social option for kids.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Why Games Ask for Your Birthday (Elementary School)14 Apr 202600:07:18

Send us Fan Mail

A game is loading, a video looks fun, and then a screen pops up demanding your birthday. Why does an app need your age, and what happens if you type it in without thinking? I dig into the real reason age questions show up so often and why that “quick little form” is actually a big online safety moment for kids and families.

We connect age gates to real-world rules kids already understand, like movie ratings and height signs at amusement parks. Then we talk about where AI and automated systems can show up: sorting users into age groups, limiting certain features, and shaping what content gets recommended. I’m careful to point out a key truth: an app can ask for your age and still be a bad fit for kids. That’s why your best protection is not the app itself, it’s your brain, your questions, and a trusted grown-up who can help check settings and permissions.

You’ll leave with three simple rules to remember, including why your birthday is personal information and why you never have to type private details just because a screen asks. To make it practical, I share a screen-free game you can play at home or in class called “Kid, Grown Up, Or Ask First,” using examples like chat games, shopping apps, learning apps, and even school tools that request a birthday.

If this helped, download and share the episode with another parent, teacher, or curious kid, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app or YouTube. After you listen, what app asked for your age most recently?

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Is AI Really Your Friend? What Kids Need to Know (Older kids, parents, & teachers)31 Mar 202600:45:52

Send us Fan Mail

AI can feel like a mind that knows you, agrees with you, and never gets tired, which is exactly why we need to talk about how it shows up in real life. I’m joined by Dr. Tiffany Petricini , who studies AI and relationships, and Dr. Sarah Zipf, who researches technology in education, to unpack what kids actually need to know about AI beyond the hype and scary movie plots.

We get into why technology is never neutral, why there are always benefits and disadvantages, and why schools should start with one grounding question before adopting any AI tool: what is it for? We also challenge a big myth about “digital natives.” Being great on a phone does not automatically mean strong computer literacy, and that gap matters when AI tools enter the classroom. Along the way, we talk AI literacy for kids, digital citizenship, and how families can ask better questions instead of letting fear make decisions for them.

Then we tackle AI chatbots and AI friends head-on. AI can sound comforting because it responds instantly and tells you what you want to hear, but it cannot be a real friend, and it cannot replace trusted adults or real peers. We break down why “AI is math” helps demystify what’s happening, how bias can sneak into AI outputs, and how play-based learning (like cooking recipes and hands-on games about algorithms) can teach big ideas without adding more screen time.

If this conversation helps your family, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more parents and kids can find it. What is one rule you think every household should have for using AI?

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Can You Spot a Fake AI Video on YouTube? (Elementary School) 31 Mar 202600:04:32

Send us Fan Mail

A kids’ video can be bright, catchy, and totally wrong. We’re seeing more AI-generated videos for kids show up on YouTube and tablets, and some of them slip mistakes into the middle where a quick parent check might miss it. That matters because “small” errors can teach unsafe ideas, confuse real-world rules, and spread misinformation while looking like normal cartoons and sing-alongs.

We break down what’s going on in plain language: how AI can create videos fast, why some creators push quantity over quality, and why automated content moderation does not always catch problems in time. If you’ve been wondering about YouTube Kids safety, parental controls, or how to build media literacy for kids, this conversation gives you a clear starting point. We also share a simple example of how a video can teach the opposite of a basic safety lesson, even though everything looks friendly on the surface.

Most important, we talk directly to kids about a real superpower: noticing when something feels off. Weird movement, odd voices, sentences that don’t make sense, or a lesson that clashes with real life are all signals to pause, pick something else, and tell a trusted adult. That one habit supports digital safety and critical thinking in a world filled with AI-generated content.

If this helps your family, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube, share the episode with a parent or teacher, and leave a review so more people can learn how to spot these videos faster. What’s the strangest “kids” video you’ve ever seen?

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

3 Rules to Keep Young Brains Strong, Healthy AI Use & Homework Balance (Elementary School)17 Mar 202600:07:11

Send us Fan Mail

AI can do homework-level tasks in seconds, which is exactly why so many parents and teachers feel uneasy. After a short break, we’re back with a solo check-in that tackles the question showing up all over parent message boards: how much AI is too much for kids, and what does “healthy” AI use actually look like when school and screens are already competing for attention?

We dig into a concept called cognitive offloading, where we hand our thinking over to a machine and slowly lose the mental “muscle” that comes from struggling through a hard problem. I use a simple analogy: AI can either be autopilot, where the tool flies the plane and the learner checks out, or it can be a copilot, where your child stays in control and the AI supports with directions, hints, and explanations. That difference matters for learning, writing, and long-term critical thinking.

You’ll leave with three practical rules you can use right away at home or in the classroom: try first and use AI second, prompt for tutoring instead of asking the bot to do the work, and always fact-check because large language models can hallucinate. We also talk about why this isn’t just a kids issue, how adults can slide into the same habits, and why the best approach is sitting alongside kids to build real AI literacy without giving up curiosity or creativity.

Subscribe for more parent-friendly AI guidance, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more families can find it. What’s one boundary you want to set for AI use this week?

Solo check-in from AI for Kids for parents & teachers: AI can do homework-level tasks in seconds, and that’s raising questions about over-reliance. This episode explains why that matters and gives 3 practical rules to keep kids’ thinking strong while using AI, at home or school. Clear, screen-friendly guidance for kids (ages 4–12) and the adults who support them.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Replay: What If You Could Star in Your Own Book with AI? (Older kids, parents, & teachers)03 Mar 202600:36:36

Send us Fan Mail

Check out this replay episode for kids and parents interested in AI support with storytime.

What if a child could open a book and see their own name, face, and dreams driving the plot forward, then watch that same story come to life on screen? We sit down with Brian Carlson, CEO and co‑founder of Storytime AI, to explore how personalized stories and videos can turn reluctant readers into eager creators. From short, high‑interest tales to full‑length novels, Brian shows how identity and representation fuel motivation and why putting kids at the center of the page unlocks deeper comprehension and joy.

We trace Brian’s journey from math‑obsessed student to educator in the South Pacific to founder building tools across 70 languages. Along the way, we weigh the promise and the pitfalls: early exposure to AI can empower the next generation of builders and problem solvers, but only if we protect critical thinking, writing, and judgment. Brian shares a simple rule of thumb, treat AI as a scaffold, not a substitute, to kids learn story structure, iterate with feedback, and develop their own voice.

Then we look ahead. Text‑to‑video is maturing fast, and Storytime AI is preparing for a near future where kids can say “make a movie about us in Stuttgart” and watch the scene unfold, complete with read‑along captions. We talk practical equity too: AI‑supported tutoring can level access, giving every learner targeted practice, custom quizzes, and timely nudges while teachers guide the human side of growth. And for creators worried about losing originality, we explore how democratized tools echo vibrant fan‑fiction communities, expanding who gets to tell stories, not replacing the craft of storytelling.

Curious to try it? Brian set up a listener perk: use code AIDIGI in Storytime AI for 10 free stories. This code may or may not work due to the replay. If this conversation sparked ideas, subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a friend who cares about reading, learning, and the future of AI for kids.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Replay: Wait… Hacking Isn’t Always Bad? How Kids Can Hack for Good (Older kids, parents, & teachers)17 Feb 202600:25:36

Send us Fan Mail

Check out this replay episode for kids and parents interested in cyber security.

Curious about how artificial intelligence shapes our daily lives? Join us as we chat with Tennisha Martin, the visionary founder of Black Girls Hack, who shares her journey from a tech-savvy childhood to leading a nonprofit that empowers underrepresented communities through cybersecurity and technology. Discover the thrill of breaking and testing software for security purposes, and learn how AI, from predictive text to smart home devices, is seamlessly woven into our routines. Tennisha explains AI concepts in ways kids can grasp, emphasizing why it's crucial to understand AI's benefits and potential risks for safety and security.

Ever wondered about the ethical implications of AI misuse? We explore these challenges, especially how AI-generated code can be exploited, and discuss Tennisha's motivations behind establishing Black Girls Hack. Learn about the organization's hands-on training and support, and get inspired by the empowering environment of cybersecurity conferences like Hack for Summer Camp and SquadCon. We wrap up with a fun game of Two Truths and a Dream, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice for young tech enthusiasts. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and tips for anyone keen on venturing into the world of technology and cybersecurity.

Resources:
BlackGirlsHack - Our cornerstone brand advocating to increase diversity of Black girls and women within Cyber https://blackgirlshack.org/

We Got Next Cyber - 9th through 12th grade training program wegotnextcyber.com

SquadCon/ Girls Hack Village - Girls Hack Village has a cybersecurity conference that provided a gender-diverse platform for women and girls in cybersecurity squadcon.me

Hacking Events - BlackGirlsHack - Events

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Replay: How A Dad Turned A Birthday Field Trip Into A Statewide STEM Movement (Older kids, parents, & teachers)03 Feb 202600:33:53

Send us Fan Mail

In this replay we revisit our episode with the one and only Phil Rogofsky.

Is STEM only for scientists and engineers? Join us as we unravel this myth with our special guest, Phil Rogofsky, the visionary behind the Maryland STEM Festival (October 18th to November 17th). Phil’s journey into the world of STEM started with childhood dreams inspired by the Apollo program and Jacques Cousteau, coupled with his parents' influence. He passionately shares how these early experiences shaped his belief that STEM is for everyone, not just a select few, and how this belief fueled the creation of a festival aimed at making STEM accessible and engaging for all.

Explore the innovative spirit of the Maryland STEM Festival, which ensures a variety of events within 30 minutes of every resident. Phil recounts the festival's humble beginnings, sparked by a visit to the USA Science and Engineering Festival, and its evolution into a statewide initiative that connects the public with the STEM community. From musical performances to nature walks, the festival offers family-friendly activities that ignite interest in STEM among children and adults. You'll be inspired by stories of meaningful collaborations and the festival's goal of fostering a curious and enthusiastic community.

Engage in a fun Tech Trivia game as we discuss the origins of STEM and the invention of the computer. Phil reflects on standout moments like the Sports and STEM event at Morgan State and the Middle School STEM Professional Match program, showcasing how STEM is woven into everyday life—from IT auditing at the Social Security Administration to the science behind sports. Discover practical ways for kids to engage in STEM, emphasizing its critical role in preparing them for a future filled with endless possibilities.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Fan Favorites Replay: How a Puzzle-Loving Kid Became an Expert in AI and Robotics (Older kids, parents, & teachers)20 Jan 202600:34:01

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we’re sharing a fan-favorite replay, an episode that ranks in the top ten of our all-time most listened-to episodes. In this week's replay episode we unlock the secrets of building adaptive, personalized robots with Dr. Randi Williams, a leading figure in AI and robotics, as she shares her journey from a math-obsessed child inspired by Jimmy Neutron to a pioneering expert aiming to make technology fairer and more inclusive.

Dr. Williams takes us behind the scenes of her work at the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL), discussing the triumphs and challenges of creating robots that can truly engage with humans.

Through the lens of projects like PopBots, you’ll discover how even preschoolers can grasp foundational AI concepts and start innovating from an early age. Hear the inspiring story of a young learner who programmed a multilingual robot, and explore the engaging tools and platforms like MIT’s Playground that make learning AI fun and accessible.

Finally, we tackle the crucial issue of algorithmic bias and the importance of diverse data sets in AI training. This episode underscores how creativity and a passion for learning can drive meaningful advancements in AI and robotics.
 
Resources for parents and kids:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Think Like a Data Detective, The Hidden Skill Behind AI (Older kids, parents, & teachers)06 Jan 202600:37:52

Send us Fan Mail

A single question from a four-year-old, “What is data?”, sparked a four-year journey that turned everyday moments into a blueprint for teaching kids the foundations of AI. We sit down with Chandra Donelson, chief data and AI officer, Air Force reservist, and author of The Data Detective series, to show how data literacy starts at home with simple habits that build real confidence.

Chandra shares the carnival breakthrough that helped her son grasp quantitative and qualitative data by counting people in ride lines and noticing details in the world around him. We unpack how she tested each draft by asking her son to explain concepts back, if a five-year-old couldn’t re-teach it, it didn’t make the cut. She walks us through translating artful curiosity into STEAM, the value of slow, intentional creation even as AI tools speed up publishing, and why her newest book, The Data Detective at the Airport, weaves real family scenes and snapshots into the story.

We also dig into practical, parent-friendly routines that turn life into a data lab: checking the weekly forecast to plan outfits, budgeting toward a VR headset, and cooking with measurements to build intuition for patterns and predictions. Chandra ties these skills to math fundamentals and explains why data is the true foundation beneath AI, no clean data, no trustworthy intelligence. Her career arc from military intelligence to data leadership highlights the power of raising your hand, finding mentors, and building community through Women in Data, where representation and support open doors for the next generation.

Resources:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Is That Video Real? Teaching Kids How to Spot Deepfakes (Elementary School)06 Jan 202600:07:03

Send us Fan Mail

A video looks real, the voice sounds familiar, but something feels off. That gut check matters, and we turn it into a simple habit kids can use every day: pause, check, ask. We break down deepfakes in plain language, show how AI learns to mimic faces and voices, and teach a family-friendly game that trains kids to spot tricks without fear or extra screen time.

We start by explaining what deepfakes are and how pattern-learning lets AI copy smiles, speech, and movement. From there, we introduce Real, Trick, or Check—a quick activity any grown-up can run in the car, at home, or in class. Kids learn to look for practical red flags: videos that only exist on social feeds, clips that rush or scare, lips that don’t match words, flat robotic audio, super short edits, and sketchy new accounts. The goal isn’t to catch every fake with one clue; it’s to slow down and verify with a trusted adult before reacting or sharing.

Safety is stronger when families protect what AI can learn. We offer clear steps: post sparingly, lock down privacy settings, avoid untrusted sites, and be careful when texting photos or voice notes. We also cover what to do if a fake targets your child: you did nothing wrong, tell a trusted adult, save evidence, and report it. To stop impostors who use cloned voices, we share our favorite tool, a private code word that only you, your kids, and your classroom know. If a message can’t provide it, stop and verify through a known channel.

By the end, your family has a shared language for staying calm and curious around AI: protect your pictures and your voice, practice the game, and keep the code word handy. If something feels wrong, talk to a trusted adult right away. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more families build smart tech habits.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

AI Slop, Character.ai Risks, and Spotting AI Hype (Older kids, parents, & teachers)16 Dec 202500:49:08

Send us Fan Mail

What do kids really touch when they “use AI”? We sat down with educator Tom Mullaney and early virtual economy pioneer Tim Allen to strip away the buzzwords and bring AI back to what children actually experience: predictive systems that generate words, pictures, and sounds without authorship or intent. From Second Life marketplaces to today’s chatbots, we trace how hype blurs reality, how “easy button” tools undercut learning, and why kids deserve a clear, practical map for using AI without losing creativity or judgment.

We dig into a simple, striking demo: nine leading models drawing a wall clock once per minute, often getting it wrong in different ways. That moving snapshot opens a bigger lesson—if a model can’t keep a clock straight, don’t trust it where accuracy matters. Tom explains why generative AI reads as polished but painfully boring in student writing, while Tim offers pathways for young coders to use models for boilerplate and then switch to human craft for novelty and taste. Together we explore the mental health risks of parasocial chatbot bonds, the screen-addictive design of platforms, and the Harvard study that ties lifelong happiness to real relationships, not fleeting likes.

Parents and teachers will find practical guardrails: ask who built the tool and who benefits, demand transparency and family controls, and push for real accountability when systems output harmful content. Kids get a north star: humans create, computers generate. Keep AI as a tool, not a crutch. Choose projects that make you think, verify results, and be proud to fail boldly as you learn. We also touch on the environmental cost of running large models and why a family-first approach to AI can help everyone stay curious, safe, and grounded.

If this conversation helps you teach skepticism without fear and keep kids building in the real world, share it with a friend, subscribe for more like this, and leave a review with the one guardrail you’d add first.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Are AI Chatbots Safe for Kids? (Elementary School)16 Dec 202500:07:11

Send us Fan Mail

Kids are meeting chatbots everywhere, from homework helpers to pop‑ups on websites, and many of them think the robot “feels” things. We cut through the hype with a friendly, practical guide that shows how chatbots really work, why they sometimes sound brilliant and sometimes go off the rails, and what families can do to stay curious and safe at the same time.

We start by breaking down the core idea: a chatbot predicts the next word using patterns, not feelings or understanding. That simple lens explains why a bot can write a funny pizza joke yet invent a name when asked about your classroom. From there, we shift into digital safety that kids can remember: treat a chatbot like a stranger, never share personal information, and pause the moment a reply feels weird or unkind. Along the way we model the “grown‑up in the loop” rule and show how to fact‑check results so confidence never replaces care.

To make it hands‑on, we share a quick kitchen‑table activity that sorts “Safe Questions” and “Not Safe Questions.” On one side, creative prompts like stories, riddles, and science facts. On the other, anything that reveals names, addresses, school details, or phone numbers. We wrap with five simple takeaways that turn into everyday habits: chatbots are not people, they make mistakes, you never share private data, you stop and tell a grown‑up when something feels off, and you can still have fun within clear boundaries.

If this helped your family or classroom, subscribe for more parent‑friendly AI tips, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review so more caregivers can find these tools. Your support helps more kids stay safe, curious, and creative with AI.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How Parents And Kids Can Learn AI Together Safely (Older kids, parents, & teachers)02 Dec 202500:46:54

Send us Fan Mail

Worried that “learning AI” means more screens and less connection at home? We flip that script with a parent-first, practical roadmap for saving time, lowering stress, and building real AI literacy, together with your kids. Our guest, former teacher, edtech pro, and mom Julie Kelleher, shares how she created “Like a Mother AI” to help families turn curiosity into safe, meaningful habits.

We dig into the TIME framework, Tutoring, Ideas, Management, Encouragement, to show exactly where AI can lighten the mental load. You’ll hear how Notebook LM becomes a private study buddy using only teacher-provided PDFs, how a quick pantry photo can generate five meals for picky eaters in minutes, and how to turn dense topics into short audio or video explainers that match different learning styles. We talk about choosing education-first tools with stronger privacy guardrails, setting living house rules you can revise, and why co-learning is the fastest way to replace fear with confidence.

You’ll also get a candid look at boundaries and safety. We cover when kids should use a tool themselves vs. when parents should gatekeep access, why “no faces, no voices, no personal data” is a strong default, and what to do when a chatbot response feels off, document it, talk it through, and use that evidence to push for better products and policy. 

Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a calmer path into AI. 

Resources:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Are Talking AI Toys Safe? (Elementary School)02 Dec 202500:05:42

Send us Fan Mail

Curious talking toys are popping up everywhere, from plush buddies and dolls to tiny robots that listen and talk back. In this AI for Kids episode, we kick off our “AI in Real Life” series by breaking down AI toys for kids in plain language so families know what they are actually buying. We explain how talking AI toys use speech recognition, simple memory, and pre-programmed responses, where they can shine for learning and play, and where parents need clear guardrails for safety and privacy.

Kids will learn the difference between a friendly voice and a real friend, so they understand that a toy does not have feelings and can make mistakes. We share kid-friendly rules for safe AI toy use that are easy to remember: ask an adult before playing, keep private information private, and speak up when something feels off. You will also hear a quick holiday shopping checklist for AI toys. Does this toy teach or just entertain, will it get long-term use, and does it add to playtime or pull kids away from real people?

For parents and teachers, we walk through how to read AI toy privacy policies without drowning in jargon, how to choose between offline and cloud-connected toys, and how to guide playtime so the toy becomes a springboard for imagination, not a replacement for it. With simple examples, age-appropriate boundaries, and clear next steps, you will leave ready to make a smart decision about AI toys for kids and support safe, joyful, curiosity-led play.

If this conversation helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more families can find AI for Kids.

Resources for Parents:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How Parents Can Guide Kids Through Talking Toys And Chatbots (Older kids, parents, & teachers)18 Nov 202500:36:48

Send us Fan Mail

A stuffed animal that answers back. A kind voice that “understands.” A tutor that lives in a fictional town. AI characters are everywhere, and they’re changing how kids learn, play, and bond with media. We sat down with Dr. Sonia Tiwari, children’s media researcher and former game character designer, to unpack how to welcome these tools into kids’ lives without losing what matters most.

Sonia breaks down what truly makes an AI character: a personality, a backstory, and the new twist of two‑way interactivity. From chatbots and smart speakers to social robots and virtual influencers, we trace how each format affects attention, trust, and learning. Then we get practical. We talk through how to spot manipulative backstories (“I’m your best friend” is a red flag), when open‑ended chat goes wrong, and why short, purposeful sessions keep curiosity high and dependence low.

For caregivers wary of AI, Sonia offers a powerful reframe: opting out cedes the space to designs that won’t put kids first. Early, honest AI literacy, taught like other life skills, protects children from deepfakes, overfamiliar bots, and data oversharing.

If you care about safe, joyful learning with technology, this conversation gives you a clear checklist and a calm path forward. Subscribe for more parent‑friendly, screen‑light AI guidance, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find the show.

Resources:

  1. Flora AI – the visual AI tool you mentioned as your favorite gadget
  2. Dr. Sonia Tiwari’s research article – “Designing ethical AI characters for children’s early learning experiences” in AI, Brain and Child
  3. Dr. Sonia Tiwari on LinkedIn – you told listeners to check out her LinkedIn
  4. Buddy.ai – AI character English tutor you referenced
  5. Snorble – the AI bedtime companion you mentioned

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Z is for Zero-Shot Learning - ABCs of AI (Elementary School+)18 Nov 202500:06:11

Send us Fan Mail

Hey, hey! You made it to the end of our special ABCs of AI series.

In this final episode of the ABCs of AI, we land on the letter Z for Zero-Shot Learning, a fancy AI term that we break down so it makes sense for kids and their grown ups. We talk about how AI can make smart guesses about things it has never “seen” before, why that can be powerful, and why it can also be risky if the data behind it is biased or unfair.

Kids will hear a clear reminder that they are the real thinkers in the room and that AI still needs humans in the loop to check, correct, and question what it says.

You’ll also learn a screen free game you can try at home, in class, or after-school:

  • Guess That Thing – a no-tech describing and guessing game that helps kids experience zero shot learning using only clues, imagination, and everyday objects.
  • A fun bonus round with made up creatures like “rainbow sloths” and “flying pancake robots” to stretch those creative muscles.

If your family has enjoyed learning the ABCs of AI with us, you do not have to stop here. Our full ABCs of AI Activity Deck is live on Kickstarter, packed with 130 screen free activities that help kids and their grown ups explore real AI concepts through games, stories, challenges, audio, and hands on fun. You can:

  • Get a deck for your family
  • Donate one to a school or library
  • Grab an ABCs of AI poster

👉 Kickstarter
👉 Learn more: https://aidigicards.com/

Have an idea for the next series or a kid who is learning about AI at home or at school and wants to be on the show? Have their grown up email me at contact@aidigitales.com.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Mattel Is Putting AI in Toys. I Built a Screen-Free AI Deck Instead. (Parents)04 Nov 202500:17:35

Send us Fan Mail

Kids are talking to Alexa and seeing AI everywhere before they can even read, but most parents, aunties, and teachers are still trying to figure out what AI actually is. In this solo episode, I share why I shifted from talking about AI with adults to focusing on kids and families, and how that led to AiDigiCards and the ABCs of AI Activity Deck.

Back the Kickstarter here!

I talk about how I ended up as one of the voices of an AI avatar, what happened when ChatGPT hit in 2022, and why watching my nieces and nephew grow up with smart speakers pushed me to create a screen-free way to learn about AI. I also share how growing up as an Army brat and seeing big gaps between schools shaped my belief that a child’s zip code should not decide whether they get to understand this technology.

You will hear what is inside the ABCs of AI Activity Deck for ages 4 to 8, including 130 human-crafted cards that introduce concepts like data, prompts, and machine learning through stories, activities, games, and audio, all designed for quick, hands-on play at the kitchen table instead of on a tablet.

If you want kids to meet AI in a way that feels safe, playful, and human, tune in and then check out the live Kickstarter to help bring this deck to life for more families and classrooms.

Back the Kickstarter here!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How Kids, Teachers, and Creators Think Kids Should Use AI (Everyone)21 Oct 202500:24:50

Send us Fan Mail

Amber Ivey (aka AI) shares standout moments from AI for Kids, conversations that made her stop and think about how kids, parents, and teachers are learning to live with AI. From creativity and coding to curiosity and critical thinking, these clips remind us that understanding AI starts with asking good questions and keeping an open mind.

If you heard something today that made you think or smile, share this episode with a friend, teacher, or family member. 

Parents can sign up to be notified of our Kickstarter campaign that we're gonna launch November 4th here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Can a Robot Really Be Your Study Buddy? (Kids, parents, & teachers)07 Oct 202500:26:29

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine an AI tutor that changes color to teach colors, points to an arm to name body parts, and keeps lessons fun without losing focus. That’s Buddy AI, a 3D animated study buddy for kids that turns screen time into meaningful learning.

In this episode of AI for Kids, host Amber Ivey talks with Ivan Crewkov, the founder of Buddy AI, to explore how a personal challenge of helping his daughter learn English grew into a global learning platform used by over 60 million children.

You’ll learn how Buddy AI was built from the ground up with AI safety, child privacy, and strong educational design. Ivan shares how Buddy learned from 25,000 hours of kids’ voices and accents, creating an AI that truly understands how children speak. Unlike general chatbots, Buddy runs on a purpose-built model stack focused on educational outcomes, guided by a structured curriculum and gamified experiences that make learning playful yet productive.

We also talk about Buddy’s COPPA-certified privacy standards, including minimal data collection, deletion on request, and a privacy-by-design architecture that keeps conversations secure. Plus, a sneak peek at what’s next: a Tamagotchi-style home, customizable virtual pets, and new lessons designed with top mobile game creators.

Parents, teachers, and caregivers will walk away with practical tips on choosing safe AI apps for kids, understanding why embodiment matters in AI education, and how to treat AI as a tool, not a toy.

Listen now to hear how Buddy AI blends AI, education, and empathy to boost kids’ confidence, language skills, and curiosity.

Resourced mentioned:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Y is for You - ABCs of AI (Elementary School+)07 Oct 202500:08:43

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a robot colors the sun green? That playful mistake helps us unlock a bigger idea: AI needs you. Not as a spectator, but as the guide who brings context, empathy, and fairness.

In this episode, Y stands for “You + AI.” We explore how people and AI work together in the real world, where speed and pattern spotting meet human judgment and care. We explain the idea of “human in the loop,” a simple way to make sure people stay in charge of goals, guardrails, and final decisions.

You’ll hear how AI helps doctors flag issues in X-rays while physicians decide treatment, supports teachers by grading routine work while educators respond to emotions and needs, and boosts artists by creating quick sketches while humans bring meaning and message. Along the way, we talk about bias, brittle rules, and why unchecked automation can lead to unfair results. The solution isn’t magic code, it’s a culture of curiosity, feedback, and review.

We also share a fun family activity called “Who’s in the Loop?” that helps kids practice spotting bad rules and adding nuance. Try saying “All fruit is round” and see how bananas save the day. Then talk together about where people and AI work as partners, when humans should have the final say, and which choices are safe to automate.

Join us as we celebrate kids’ questions, creativity, and courage, the real drivers of responsible AI. If we want smarter tools that serve people, your voice matters most.

Subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review to help more families explore AI with curiosity and care.

Resources:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

What’s a Prompt? And Why Kids Should Learn to Use Them? (Older kids, parents, & teachers)23 Sep 202500:31:10

Send us Fan Mail

What if teaching your kids about AI felt as simple as asking a smart friend for help at the grocery store?

In this episode of AI for Kids, we dig into one big question every parent is asking: What’s a prompt—and why should kids learn to use one?

Together, we explore:

  • Can kids love science but hate math and still thrive in STEM?
  • How can you explain prompts to kids so it “clicks” right away?
  • What simple, fun prompts can kids try—from making coloring pages to writing stories?
  • What does it mean to think “AI-first,” and how can kids apply that mindset in everyday life?
  • Why starting small (with just three things you don’t want to do this week) is the easiest way for kids and parents to get comfortable with AI.

Ashley also shares her new 10-day course designed to help future business owners use AI to turn their ideas into action—plus we get into her own journey from science lover to business builder.

👉 Tune in and discover how prompts can become your child’s secret tool for learning, creativity, and problem-solving.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

X is for X-Ray Vision - ABCs of AI (Elementary School+)23 Sep 202500:06:36

Send us Fan Mail

Nope, we’re not talking about superhero powers — we’re exploring how AI and smart tools use X-rays, thermal cameras, and other sensors to “see” what’s inside things. From spotting broken bones in hospitals to scanning luggage at airports and even studying stars in space, AI helps us look deeper without magic — just sensors plus machine learning!

In this episode of AI for Kids, we break down how AI “learns to see,” share simple safety rules about cameras and privacy, and play a fun blindfold game to help kids understand how machines use clues to recognize objects. Parents will hear how this technology shows up in real life — and why it’s important to teach kids that AI should help people, not watch people without permission.

What You’ll Learn

  • What X-Ray Vision means in the world of AI
  • How AI “sees” patterns using pictures and sensors
  • Real-life uses in hospitals, airports, space science, and factories
  • 3 simple safety rules for kids about cameras and privacy
  • A fun at-home game (“I Spy Like AI”) to practice AI-style pattern spotting

Try It at Home

Game: I Spy Like AI
Grab a blindfold and mystery objects. One player gives sound or smell clues, and the other guesses what it is — just like AI learns from patterns without regular sight!

Conversation Starters for Families

  • Where have you seen machines that can “see” inside things?
  • How do we make sure those machines are used in helpful and respectful ways?
  • What rules should we follow when using cameras and sensors safely?

Resources & Links

  • AiDigiCards Waitlist
    – The ABCs of AI activity deck for ages 4–8
  • Email Amber: contact@aidigitales.com
     – Bring AI for Kids to your school

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Can Kids Really Use AI Safely? (Older kids, parents, & teachers)09 Sep 202500:41:10

Send us Fan Mail

Diya Wynn, Responsible AI Lead at Amazon Web Services, takes us on a remarkable journey from her childhood in the South Bronx to becoming a technology leader championing fairness in artificial intelligence. Her story begins with a pivotal moment at age eight when, after receiving a basic computer as an academic achievement award, she declared she wanted to be a computer engineer—a path that would shape her entire professional life.

What makes Diya's perspective so valuable is how she demystifies AI for families. Rather than presenting artificial intelligence as some futuristic concept, she helps us recognize how it's already woven into our daily lives through search engines, streaming recommendations, and customer service interactions. This familiarity makes AI more approachable for both parents and children navigating today's digital landscape.

For children curious about future careers, Diya offers reassuring guidance. As AI continues changing the job landscape, she emphasizes developing timeless human capabilities—critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and effective communication—that will remain valuable regardless of technological evolution. Her message inspires young listeners to approach technology with curiosity rather than fear.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

  • Amber invited kids (through their parents) to share stories or be guests.
    Email: contact@aidigitales.com
  • Diya described her role leading Responsible AI initiatives at Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS Responsible AI page: https://aws.amazon.com/ai/responsible-ai/
  • Code.org – Free coding lessons and AI-related activities. https://code.org
  • PartyRock by AWS – A fun, no-code way to create generative AI apps. https://partyrock.aws
  • Google AI courses for beginners (referenced as free learning resources). https://ai.google/education/
  • Microsoft Learn (free coding & AI training modules). https://learn.microsoft.com/training/
  • Data Science Camp (DMV area) https://datasciencecamp.org

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

W is for Weight - ABCs of AI (Elementary School+)09 Sep 202500:06:20

Send us Fan Mail

Season 3 is here! In this episode of AI for Kids, Amber kicks things off with the letter W in our ABCs of AI series.

W is for Weights — but not the kind you lift at the gym. In AI, weights are like little dials that tell a computer which clues matter most when it’s learning. Pointy ears? Higher weight for “cat.” Fluffy tail? Could be “dog.” These weights help AI make decisions in games, apps, and even the tools adults use at work.

But here’s the twist: if the weights are wrong or unfair, AI can make bad choices—like favoring one student over another just because of their zip code. That’s called bias. Understanding weights helps kids see why it’s so important to ask: Who taught the AI what matters?

Game of the Week: “Weight it Right”
No screens required! Grab three cups, some household items, and a spoon. Shake, guess, and assign weights (1 for light, 2 for medium, 3 for heavy). Switch with a friend or sibling to see how “AI” can get things right—or wrong—based on what it pays attention to.

Takeaways for Kids and Parents

  • Weights = how AI decides what’s important.
  • Fair weights = fairer results.
  • Curiosity + questions = safer, smarter AI use.
  • You don’t need to be a computer scientist to start thinking like one!

Want to share your story?
If your child has tried an AI tool—chatting with a robot, coding something new, or asking Alexa a fun question—they could be featured on the podcast! Ask a grown-up to email Amber: contact@aidigitales.com

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Screen-Free Summer + Season 2 Recap and Finale (Kids, parents, & teachers)08 Jul 202500:08:42

Send us Fan Mail

Curious about raising AI-literate kids without more screen time? Our Season Two finale delivers a thoughtful recap of our AI journey while offering creative ways to keep the learning going all summer long.

We've explored the fascinating world of artificial intelligence through conversations with remarkable guests who bring diverse perspectives to children's AI education. Each guest reinforced our core belief: understanding technology doesn't require endless screen time, it requires curiosity and creativity.

This episode includes a treasure trove of screen-free summer activities to reinforce AI concepts through play. Design and build your dream AI helper using art supplies or building blocks. Go on an AI scavenger hunt that mimics how computer vision works. Host a family "prompt game night" where everyone takes turns creating imaginative AI instructions. These activities transform abstract technological concepts into hands-on experiences kids can enjoy away from devices. We've even included a quick quiz to test how much you've learned about AI fundamentals throughout the season!

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for September 2nd when Season Three launches with fresh perspectives and activities. 

We're also thrilled to announce our upcoming AiDigiCards, starting with the ABCs of AI Activity Deck for ages 4-8—another way families can explore technology concepts without screens. Get on the waitlist here: https://www.aidigicards.com/

Sign up for our free newsletter for bi-weekly activities to keep the learning going all summer. Newsletter here: https://aidigitales.com/newsletter

Remember, our mission isn't just about technology education—it's about "letting kids be kids, not robots." We're raising a generation that doesn't just use technology, but truly understands it while preserving the wonder and joy of childhood. Thanks for bringing us into your homes, classrooms, and family routines, we can't wait to continue this journey with you!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How a Teen is Making AI Education for Everyone (Middle+)01 Jul 202500:31:38

Send us Fan Mail

Kaashvi Mittal, a rising high school senior, is transforming how we think about AI education. As founder of Together We AI, she's breaking down complex technology into bite-sized, understandable concepts through free workshops that make artificial intelligence accessible to everyone.

The spark for Kaashvi's journey came during a Stanford AI for All summer program where she helped create an AI model analyzing satellite imagery to determine socioeconomic status of different regions. 

For parents and educators worried about children becoming overly dependent on AI, Kaashvi offers practical wisdom: establish clear boundaries between helpful uses (generating practice problems) versus harmful applications (writing essays). She emphasizes developing core skills first, using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for critical thinking.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Together We AI
Sign up for Kaashvi Mittal’s free, beginner-friendly AI workshops: www.togetherweai.org
Instagram: @TogetherWeAI

Stanford AI4ALL Program
A summer program that introduces high school students to AI and its applications: ai-4-all.org

Learning Platforms for Kids:

  • Code.org – Great for learning the basics of computer science and AI
    code.org
  • Khan Academy – Offers beginner-friendly videos about AI and computer science
    khanacademy.org

Image Generators Mentioned:

  • DALL·E – An AI model that creates images from text prompts
    openai.com/dall-e
  • Midjourney – A generative AI platform for high-quality artistic images
    midjourney.com

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

V is for Voice and Vision - ABCs of AI (Elementary+)01 Jul 202500:06:32

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered how smart speakers like Alexa know what you're saying? Or how self-driving cars can tell the difference between a stop sign and a person? Our latest episode dives into the fascinating world of voice and vision in artificial intelligence—explaining how AI's digital "ears" and "eyes" work in ways even young children can understand.

We break down voice recognition technology, explaining how AI systems listen to spoken commands and figure out appropriate responses. But with this knowledge comes responsibility, especially for our young listeners. We emphasize crucial safety guidelines: always ask permission before using voice devices, never share personal information, and understand that these tools may be recording what they hear.

Computer vision gets equal attention as we explore how AI "sees" the world by analyzing patterns, colors, and shapes rather than truly seeing as humans do. From sorting photos to helping robots navigate, vision-enabled AI surrounds us daily. Parents will appreciate our straightforward safety rules that empower children without causing fear: no camera access without adult supervision, no sharing images of faces or homes, and always consulting grown-ups when something feels uncomfortable.

The best part? We've included screen-free activities that families can try at home! Our Voice and Vision Challenge features two games that simulate how AI processes information. One person plays the role of an AI responding to voice commands, while another game involves sorting objects by visual characteristics—perfect for reinforcing these concepts through play rather than more screen time.

Curious about what's coming next? Tune in as we continue our alphabetical journey through AI concepts with W in our next episode. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help other families discover how to navigate the AI landscape with confidence!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Is Apple’s New AI Safe for Kids? (AI Kids Scoop)24 Jun 202500:08:48

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered how to explain AI news to the curious young minds in your life? This episode of AI for Kids Scoop breaks down the latest artificial intelligence developments from early to mid-June in language kids and adults can understand together.

We dive into Apple's new "Apple Intelligence" features unveiled at their Worldwide Developer Conference. Picture asking your iPhone to translate a FaceTime call in real time or edit photos simply by describing what you want to change. We explore what this means for families who use these devices and how AI is quietly transforming everyday tech experiences.

The conversation turns to Mattel's groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, which promises to bring AI-powered toys to market later this year. Yes, Barbie's getting a brain! While these interactive toys offer exciting possibilities for creative play and learning, we discuss the important privacy considerations parents should keep in mind as toys begin collecting and processing children's data.

We also unpack significant research from the Alan Turing Institute showing that 22% of children ages 8-12 have already engaged with AI chatbots, often without distinguishing between human and machine interactions. This highlights the critical need for AI literacy in schools and homes. Our screen-free activity encourages critical thinking about AI by having kids identify potential AI failures and develop human backup plans—a perfect way to build digital discernment without more screen time.

From European AI regulations to Microsoft's transparency reports and Meta's privacy defaults, we translate complex tech developments into actionable insights for families navigating the AI revolution. Join us for this enlightening discussion that keeps your curiosity switched on while keeping screen time in balance. Download, share with friends, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How AI and VR Help Kids (and Adults) Relax (Middle+)17 Jun 202500:34:32

Send us Fan Mail

What if technology could help you understand and manage your emotions better? Dr. Alicia Mckoy, founder and CEO of PeakMind, takes us on a fascinating journey through the intersection of neuroscience, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in the quest for better mental wellbeing.

The human brain processes emotions through chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline, triggering our fight, flight, freeze, or relaxation responses. Understanding this complex system is crucial for managing our emotional states effectively. 

With stress contributing to 60-80% of disease according to health organizations, Dr. Mckoy's work couldn't be more timely. She introduces us to concepts like ultradian rhythms—natural 90-minute cycles when our brains are optimally prepared for focus and learning—and explains how traditional school and work schedules often conflict with these natural patterns. Schools that have restructured around these rhythms have seen remarkable improvements in student performance.

Perhaps most exciting is Dr. Mckoy's pioneering work with virtual reality therapy. This "rehearsal therapy" allows people to practice stressful situations or experience calming environments while measuring biometric responses. The emergence of "VRX" (virtual reality prescriptions) represents a groundbreaking shift in healthcare, with doctors now prescribing VR experiences alongside or instead of traditional medications.

For those without access to advanced technology, Dr. Mckoy offers practical strategies anyone can implement: identifying your main stressors, noting where you feel stress physically, developing advance response plans, and prioritizing quality sleep.

Sign up for the weekly newsletter here to get up to date news on AI for Kids: https://aidigitales.com/newsletter

Resources

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

U is for Unsupervised Learning and yoU! - ABCs of AI (Elementary+)17 Jun 202500:05:17

Send us Fan Mail

Today's episode explores the letter "U" in our ABCs of AI series, representing both yoU (our curious young listeners) and Unsupervised Learning. We break down how artificial intelligence systems can organize photos, music, and data by identifying similarities without being explicitly told what to look for. Through our "Sort It Like a Robot" activity, kids can experience firsthand how machines approach pattern recognition by sorting household objects and discussing the different ways things can be categorized.

But beyond the technical concepts, we emphasize something crucial: despite all the amazing capabilities of AI, human qualities remain irreplaceable. Your feelings, imagination, creativity, and kindness are superpowers that no algorithm can duplicate. We discuss why it's essential to have "humans in the loop" checking AI's work, especially when machines might miss context or make incorrect assumptions based on limited information.

Whether you're a tech-savvy kid or a parent looking to help your child navigate our increasingly AI-driven world, this episode offers accessible explanations and a fun hands-on activity that brings abstract concepts to life. Subscribe to AI for Kids, have your parents sign up for our newsletter at www.aidigitales.com/newsletter, and join us as we continue our journey through the ABCs of artificial intelligence!

Sign up for the weekly newsletter here to get up to date news on AI for Kids: https://aidigitales.com/newsletter

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How Schools, Camps, and Laws Are Getting Kids AI-Ready (AI Kids Scoop)10 Jun 202500:10:14

Send us Fan Mail

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and our latest AI for Kids Scoop episode brings the most exciting tech developments straight to young curious minds. From robot dancing to drone flying, we're uncovering how schools across America are transforming tech education into hands-on adventures that prepare kids for tomorrow's world.

Dive into our exploration of Maine's student tech conference where nearly 1,000 kids programmed dancing robots and piloted drones, showcasing how learning and technology blend seamlessly in modern education. We also spotlight Google's latest kid-friendly AI tools, including updates to their Study Buddy app that now enables collaboration and note-sharing between students and teachers. For parents wondering about summer enrichment, we highlight the emergence of specialized AI summer camps that are teaching teens not just how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly and ethically.

The heart of this episode introduces our screen-free "Teach the Teacher" activity – a way for kids to understand how AI actually learns from data. By playing the role of AI trainers, children grasp the concept of training data and why diverse, representative examples matter when teaching machines. We also address important safety updates, including new legislation designed to protect children online, while emphasizing that the most powerful part of any AI system is the human guiding it. 

Join us as we continue making artificial intelligence accessible, engaging, and safe for the next generation of innovators. Subscribe to our newsletter at AiDigiTales/newsletter for weekly updates and more screen-free activities to try at home!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How AI Can Be Smart but Still Not Understand You (Middle+)03 Jun 202500:33:52

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered why AI can be simultaneously brilliant and bewilderingly clueless? Reed Coke, Director of Engineering at KUNGFU.AI, offers a beautifully simple explanation: AI is like singing along to songs in a language you don't know. You recognize patterns and can predict what comes next without truly understanding the meaning.

Reed brings his unique background as a linguist-turned-AI engineer to explain natural language processing in terms kids (and adults) can grasp. Growing up bilingual in Dutch and English sparked his passion for languages, eventually leading him to discover programming as a powerful tool for studying human communication. This intersection became his specialty - building AI systems that interact with language.

The conversation explores fascinating territory, from Reed's work on an AI system that could detect cancer risks five years before diagnosis to the amusing challenges of teaching computers to understand context (like distinguishing complaints about counterfeit products from reviews of Halloween "fake doctor" costumes). Reed breaks down complex concepts like supervised learning without sacrificing accuracy, making them accessible for young listeners.

Reed offers practical advice on getting started with AI through resources like Code Academy, Code Combat, kidspython.com, and Black Girls Hack, emphasizing that community-based learning through classes and camps often provides the best support. Most importantly, he encourages approaching AI development with empathy - considering who created the training data, what experiences it represents, and how systems will affect real people.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of AI? Subscribe to our podcast, have your parents leave us a review, and sign up for our weekly AI newsletter at aidigitales.com/newsletter. 

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

T is for Token - ABCs of AI (Elementary+)03 Jun 202500:06:03

Send us Fan Mail

Tokens are the invisible building blocks that power every AI conversation, and in this episode of the AI for Kids podcast, we're breaking them down in a way that makes perfect sense for curious young minds!

As part of our "ABCs of AI" series, we've reached the letter T, and tokens take center stage. Ever wondered how AI actually processes our words? Unlike humans who understand complete thoughts, AI breaks everything down into smaller pieces called tokens—which can be whole words, parts of words, or even punctuation marks. When you say "I like robots!" to an AI, it sees four separate tokens, not a complete sentence.

We explore how these tokens help AI systems like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama piece together responses through pattern recognition rather than true comprehension. This explains why AI sometimes gets things wrong when tokens are tricky or questions are confusing! To make this concept tangible, we introduce the "Token Tower Challenge"—a fun game where kids can physically create and arrange tokens to build sentences, just like AI does. We also suggest experimenting with changing single words in AI prompts to see how dramatically the responses change.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of AI? Subscribe to our podcast, have your parents leave us a review, and sign up for our weekly AI newsletter at aidigitales.com/newsletter. Stay curious, and join us next time as we explore the letter U in our ongoing AI adventure!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

AI, Cheating, and One Teen’s Brilliant Fix (AI Kids Scoop)27 May 202500:10:09

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of AI for Kids, we explore how artificial intelligence is changing schools around the world—from new rules to exciting new tools!

We talk about how China just made new rules that stop students from turning in AI-written homework and require teacher help when younger kids use AI tools. Over in the UK, leaders are planning global guidelines for AI in education—and even a big AI in schools summit in 2026!

We also spotlight Jun Jang, a 16-year-old from Mississippi, who built a program to catch AI-written homework by learning students’ writing styles. So cool!

Plus, we check out a smart math app from France that can read your handwritten equations and help you learn step-by-step, and a new AI tool from Renaissance that helps teachers personalize lessons just for you.

At the end, we share a screen-free activity called “Be the AI” that helps you understand how AI follows instructions—and where it can go hilariously wrong!

Want to get weekly news right into your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here: https://aidigitales.com/newsletter

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

How AI Can Be a Flashlight, Not a Shortcut (Middle+)20 May 202500:33:36

Send us Fan Mail

What if your child had a kind, judgment-free learning companion—available anytime they needed help? That’s exactly what’s starting to happen in classrooms using AI. In this episode, we talk with Kanishka Seth, a teacher and EdTech leader at Khan Lab School, who works just one floor below the Khan Academy team and sees firsthand how AI is showing up in real learning spaces.

Kanishka shares how Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s AI-powered tool, acts like a thoughtful study buddy—asking questions instead of giving answers, offering feedback, and creating a safe space where kids can learn without fear of being wrong. As she puts it, “It’s like a peer who’s full of energy, always kind, and there to help them think through their ideas.”

If you're wondering how AI fits into your child’s education, this episode is for you. Kanishka’s perspective is both grounded and hopeful. She compares AI to a flashlight: it helps you see more clearly, but your child still needs to choose the direction. 

You’ll also hear stories of real student projects. It’s not about shortcuts—it’s about opening up space for kids to explore, imagine, and grow.

Listen now—you’re not alone on this journey.

🔧 Tools & Platforms Mentioned

  1. Khanmigo by Khan Academy – AI tutor and teaching assistant
    🔗 https://www.khanacademy.org/khan-lab-school/khanmigo
  2. Khan Academy – The nonprofit learning platform
    🔗 https://www.khanacademy.org
  3. ChatGPT – AI chatbot used for planning and Q&A
    🔗 https://chat.openai.com
  4. DALL·E – AI image generation tool used for student creativity
    🔗 https://openai.com/dall-e
  5. Google Lens – Translates signs/menus in real time
    🔗 https://lens.google
  6. Google Translate – For live translation conversations
    🔗 https://translate.google.com


Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

S is for Supervised Learning - ABCs of AI (Elementary+)20 May 202500:07:18

Send us Fan Mail

We break down supervised learning, explaining how AI learns from labeled examples just like how children learn from teachers identifying objects.

• Supervised learning is when AI learns from labeled examples (like seeing pictures of apples with labels)
• The more examples an AI sees, the better it gets at recognizing patterns
• Real-world applications include Google Lens, spam filters, AI art apps, and medical diagnostic tools
• Bad or confusing data leads to incorrect learning outcomes
• AI can struggle with examples it hasn't seen before (like only recognizing yellow cats but not black ones)
• Try the "Label It Game" at home using pictures from magazines or your own drawings
• Experiment with Google's Teachable Machine website to train your own mini AI model

Join us next time for the letter T in our ABCs of AI series!

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Using AI in Korea, Gemini AI for Kids, and More News (AI Kids Scoop)13 May 202500:12:55

Send us Fan Mail

Spring is here—and so is our new weekly podcast format! We’re now alternating between fun episodes for kids and a new segment, “AI Kids Scoop,” where we break down what’s happening in AI and education.

After a recent trip to Seoul, I saw just how powerful AI can be—using ChatGPT to plan, Google Lens to read menus, and Translate to chat with locals. It’s a reminder that AI is here now, and our kids need to learn how to use it wisely.

Our inaugural AI Kids Scoop covers groundbreaking developments in the AI education landscape. Google recently announced Gemini AI access for children under 13 through supervised accounts, while governments worldwide are racing to implement AI literacy programs. The US President signed an executive order advancing AI education, China mandated annual AI classes for all students, and the UAE plans to introduce AI concepts to children as young as four years old.

The private sector is responding with innovative offerings like Blue Whale AI Academy's summer camp for ages 5-12 and Buddy AI's language learning app designed specifically for children. Perhaps most fascinating is ABii, an AI-powered robot from the University of South Carolina that uses facial recognition to provide "empathetic tutoring" tailored to students' emotional states.

While these developments are exciting, we emphasize the continued importance of adult supervision, critical thinking, and creativity. 

Google AI Resources.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Replay: How The Future Belongs to AI-Literate Kids (Middle +)29 Apr 202500:24:33

Send us Fan Mail

This is the last week of our break and we look forward to catching up in a couple of weeks. Check out this week's replay.

"Technology won't replace you, but someone who knows how to use it will take your position." These words from Eashan Kosaraju, a remarkable high school student from Ohio, capture the essence of why AI literacy matters for today's youth.

Dive into this eye-opening conversation with a teen who's already making waves in the AI education space as host of the All Things AI podcast and a responsible AI advocate. Eashan shares how his childhood love of mathematics evolved into a passion for computer science and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the critical need for students to understand technology that will shape their future careers.

Did you know that a number of Gen Zers consider AI the biggest threat to their future employment? Rather than feeding these fears, Eashan is tackling them head-on through his educational initiative "Empower with AI" and his work with the youth-driven organization Encode Justice. He breaks down complex concepts like large language models into kid-friendly explanations while highlighting both the opportunities and risks this technology presents.

Parents and educators will appreciate Eashan's thoughtful approach to balancing AI tools with academic integrity as he discusses how school districts nationwide are responding to AI in the classroom. His vision of human-centered technology development offers a refreshing perspective on how we can harness AI's benefits while mitigating potential harms.

Subscribe to AI for Kids wherever you get your podcasts and continue exploring the fascinating world of artificial intelligence with us!

Check out more resources with Eashan via Empower with AI, including his mini-lectures and his All Things AI podcast.

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Replay: How a Fifth-Grader Can Start Their AI Journey Today (Middle +)15 Apr 202500:27:18

Send us Fan Mail

We are on a short spring break at AI for Kid. We look forward to seeing you all in May. 

In the meantime, check out this replay with Archi Marrapu, a remarkable young inventor. 

• Explaining artificial intelligence as a "fake brain" that can mimic human intelligence and sometimes exceed human capabilities
• Creating Project Pill Tracker, a 3D-printed medication management system with AI features that prevent medication errors
• Working with tools like Arduino Uno kits, 3D printers, Flutter, and coding languages including Java and Python
• Starting with curiosity and coding as entry points to learning about AI
• Building confidence to overcome challenges and persist through failures

Links to Resources:

Contact Archi:

  • Archi Marrapu LinkedIn
  • Email: stemifygirls@gmail.com or founder.stemifygirls@gmail.com

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Replay: How an 11-Year-Old is Teaching Fellow Kids Coding—from Scratch to C++ (Middle +)01 Apr 202500:37:16

Send us Fan Mail

Meet Ehsan Adouane, an 11-year-old coding prodigy who started his YouTube channel at age 9 because he "had nothing to do" and wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

  • Started coding at age 9, now proficient in C++ and building applications
  • Explains coding languages from high-level (Python, Scratch) to low-level (binary)
  • Recommends beginners start with C++ instead of Python to learn fundamentals properly
  • Describes Raspberry Pi computers and how they help program microchips
  • Balances technology with martial arts, horseback riding, and Alpine skiing
  • Currently developing an application to help teachers with lesson planning
  • Advocates for making math less scary by recognizing it's just a new concept
  • Explains how coding relates to AI by creating "a whole new brain
  • Values impact over views: "Even if you get one view, if you change someone's life, you've fulfilled your purpose"

Check out Ehsan's YouTube channel (Ehsan Teen Education) where he offers coding tutorials organized by number - start with the first C++ video and work your way up!

Resources:

Support the show

Hey parents and teachers, if you want to stay on top of the AI news shaping your kids’ world, subscribe to our weekly AI for Kids Weekly newsletter:

https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/

Help us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids, parents, teachers, and families.

Gift or get the ABCs of AI Activity Deck to introduce your kids 5-9 to AI literacy.

Like our content? patreon.com/AiDigiTales

Get or gift the book “AI… Meets… AI”

Social Media & Contact: 

Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

© My Podcast Data · Projet indépendant · Données issues d'Apple & Spotify
À proposMéthodologieContactMe soutenirPolitique de confidentialitéMentions légales