Some moments remind you exactly why you started.

Being featured on WAOK’s Wake Up With Dee on Audacy Radio was one of those moments for me. Sitting down with Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler to talk about What’s Poppin’ Penny? wasn’t just another interview—it was an opportunity to share my heart, my purpose, and the mission behind every story I create for children and families.

As someone who spent years as an early childhood educator before becoming a children’s podcast creator, I’ve always believed that childhood deserves to be protected, celebrated, and nurtured. Every story we tell a child has the potential to shape how they see themselves and the world around them. That’s the philosophy that inspired What’s Poppin’ Penny?, and it was such a joy to discuss that vision with listeners across Atlanta and beyond.

From Preschool Teacher to Award-Winning Podcast Creator

People often ask how What’s Poppin’ Penny? began.

The answer is simple: love.

Love for children. Love for learning. Love for storytelling. And love for the incredible adults who dedicate themselves to raising emotionally healthy kids.

After spending my career working with young children, I saw firsthand how stories could help children understand their emotions, solve problems, build confidence, and strengthen relationships. Those experiences inspired me to create a podcast where children could hear characters who looked like them, experienced real emotions, and learned valuable life lessons in fun, imaginative ways.

Today, What’s Poppin’ Penny? has grown into an award-winning children’s podcast recognized for its meaningful storytelling and commitment to social-emotional learning. Designed for children ages three and up, each episode follows Penny Wright, a curious preschooler whose magical adventures encourage empathy, resilience, kindness, family connection, and emotional intelligence.

Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters

One of the topics I was most excited to discuss during my WAOK interview was social-emotional learning (SEL).

Sometimes people hear the term and think it’s simply about teaching children to “be nice.” In reality, SEL is so much more.

It’s helping children:

• Identify and express their feelings.

• Develop empathy for others.

• Solve everyday conflicts peacefully.

• Build confidence.

• Practice resilience when things don’t go as planned.

• Create healthy relationships with family and friends.

These aren’t just childhood skills—they’re life skills.

Research continues to show that children who develop strong social-emotional skills are better prepared academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their lives. That’s why every episode of What’s Poppin’ Penny? is intentionally written to entertain while also giving children practical tools they can use every day.

Representation Matters

Another important part of our conversation was representation.

Growing up, many children don’t always see families that reflect their own experiences in books, television, or children’s media.

Penny lives in a loving multigenerational family surrounded by parents, grandparents, community, and culture. While every family is unique, many listeners have shared how meaningful it is to hear stories that celebrate family traditions, ancestry, neighborhood life, and everyday joy.

Representation isn’t about excluding anyone.

It’s about making sure every child has the opportunity to feel seen, valued, and important.

At the same time, children from every background can relate to Penny’s adventures because feelings are universal. Every child experiences excitement, disappointment, curiosity, nervousness, and happiness. Those shared emotions create opportunities for empathy and understanding.

Creating Screen-Free Family Moments

One of the things I love most about podcasting is that it encourages imagination.

Unlike television, podcasts invite children to create the pictures in their own minds. They listen, imagine, think, wonder, and engage with stories in a different way.

Families often tell me they listen to What’s Poppin’ Penny? during:

• Morning routines

• Car rides

• Bedtime

• Quiet playtime

• Classroom circle time

Those moments become opportunities for conversations between trusted adults and children—conversations about feelings, friendships, kindness, courage, and problem-solving.

As a creator, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing our stories continue long after the episode ends.

A Growing Community of Brownstone Buddies

One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been watching our Brownstone Buddies family continue to grow.

What started as one idea has become a community of parents, grandparents, educators, caregivers, librarians, and young listeners who believe childhood should be filled with wonder, imagination, and meaningful conversations.

Along the way, What’s Poppin’ Penny? has received recognition from organizations including Common Sense Media, the Communicator Awards, and the Black Podcasting Awards. While these honors are incredibly meaningful, the greatest reward is hearing from families who tell me our stories have helped their children navigate big feelings, ask thoughtful questions, or simply enjoy quality time together.

Grateful for WAOK and Audacy

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler and everyone at WAOK and Audacy for creating space to highlight children’s media that educates, inspires, and uplifts.

Programs like Wake Up With Dee recognize that investing in children means investing in the future of our communities.

It was a privilege to share the story behind What’s Poppin’ Penny?, discuss the importance of early childhood education, and encourage families to embrace storytelling as a powerful tool for emotional growth and connection.

You can also read the Audacy feature on WAOK’s interview with Toni Kennedy to learn more about the spotlight and the mission behind What’s Poppin’ Penny?.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to reach new listeners who may be discovering Penny and her magical world for the very first time.

Join Our Brownstone Buddies Family

If you heard the interview—or if you’re just discovering us now—welcome!

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, or another trusted adult, I invite you to explore the world of What’s Poppin’ Penny?

Every episode is created with one goal in mind: helping children grow into compassionate, confident, emotionally healthy people while having fun along the way.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support this journey. Every listen, every shared episode, every classroom that presses play, and every family that welcomes Penny into their home helps us continue spreading kindness, imagination, and joy.

The magic is just getting started, and I’m so thankful you’re part of it.