In this vibrant and engaging episode, we welcome Janneke House, who brings a wealth of political experience and a fresh perspective on community involvement through her delightful children's book, 'Mommy Mayer.' Janneke's journey in politics spans over two decades, where she has passionately advocated for her communities while also diving into the world of children's literature. Throughout our conversation, she shares her inspiring story of how interactions with kindergarteners at her office sparked her desire to write a book that encourages children to recognize their power to create change. We discuss the charming premise of 'Mommy Mayer,' where a young girl named Mary learns she can take matters into her own hands when her park is in disarray, rallying her community to fix it. Janneke beautifully articulates the message that kids can and should be active participants in their neighborhoods, challenging the notion that civic responsibility is solely an adult's job. This episode is rich with humor, heart, and practical tips for parents on how to raise socially aware children. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired to turn your child's voice into action!

A gift from our Guest: A free book to the audience member who finds this episode and comments "Mommy Mayor".

Janneke House has over twenty years’ experience in politics, working for some of the top political candidates in the country at every level of government: the President of the United States, the U.S. Senate, Congress, state legislature, governor, mayor, city council, and library trustee. Janneke has also pursued political office during her career, running for city council in both Salt Lake City, UT and Cambridge, MA. Janneke has a passion for helping the communities in which she lives by serving on various non-profit boards. She was the first graduate to receive a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Utah, where she had completed her undergraduate studies in Urban Planning. Janneke was born near Sundance, Utah, where she developed her love for the mountains. She now resides in New York City.

Janneke's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

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Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

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Howard Freedman returns to share the latest and greatest in college financial aid—because let’s face it, navigating this stuff can feel like trying to find your way through a corn maze without a map! With his expertise and bubbly personality, Howard breaks down the nuances of financial aid, from the importance of early planning to the power of communication between parents and students. He discusses the shifts in the college landscape over the past year, highlighting how factors like the economy and changes in educational priorities are shaping our kids' paths to higher education. Plus, we get a humorous peek into some of Howard's wild ideas about financial aid—marriage as a financial strategy? You bet! But don’t worry, he also shares practical tips for families to cut costs and explore different avenues for funding their child’s education. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of college finances with a side of laughter!

Howard is a college financial aid expert, speaker, and author who has spent nearly 25 years helping families avoid paying the full retail cost of college. Through his work with thousands of students and parents across the United States and Canada, he shares practical strategies that make the college planning process more affordable and less stressful. Howard is the author of Making College Happen and is known for breaking down complex financial aid concepts into clear, actionable steps families can use. Earlier in his career, he served as the ACCESS program manager for Boston Public Schools, helping students secure financial aid and scholarships. Howard holds a BS in Business Management from Northeastern University and an MBA from Suffolk University and is passionate about helping families make confident, affordable college decisions.

Howard's Facebook page

Howard's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Cynthia Klein swings by today, bringing the good vibes and wisdom on why family meetings are the secret sauce to harmony at home! 🎉 With over 30 years of experience as a certified parenting expert, she’s here to spill the beans on how these gatherings can transform our chaotic homes into peaceful havens. We dive deep into the nitty-gritty of setting up family meetings: from crafting an agenda to ensuring everyone gets a say (and fun is had!). Cynthia shares her own stories about the impact these meetings had on her family, emphasizing that it’s not just about solving problems but building connections that last a lifetime. Buckle up, because if you’ve ever thought family meetings were a drag, this episode is gonna flip that script and make you a believer!

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.