In this special Pride Month episode, we’re focusing on the urgent challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth in Michigan — and what it will take to protect and uplift them.

Matt is joined by Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-77) and Emme Zanotti, Senior Director of Movement Building & Political Affairs at Equality Michigan. Together, they break down the real impact of harmful legislation, the rising threats to queer youth, and the role that advocates, allies, and lawmakers must play in creating safe and affirming spaces.

This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about youth, equity, and justice.

In this episode, we explore what mental health looks like across the early years and into adolescence — and what adults need to understand to truly support kids. Matt is joined by an expert in infant and early childhood mental health (ages 0–3) and a professional working closely with middle and high school youth. Together, they unpack the signs of struggle, the systems that help (or hurt), and what it will take to create real change for young people’s mental wellness in Michigan. What does mental health look like in toddlers? What challenges are older youth facing today? What can we do to make things better?

Tune in for practical insights, honest reflections, and a better understanding of how we can all support the mental health of Michigan’s kids.

In this episode, we dive into the real-life consequences of proposed U.S. Department of Education budget cuts, specifically their impact on children with disabilities in Michigan. With guests from an Intermediate School District (ISD), the Autism Alliance of Michigan, and an agency serving people with developmental disabilities, we explore how federal education dollars currently support essential services, what’s at risk if that funding disappears, and how local communities can respond. From early intervention to IEP implementation and long-term equity concerns, our panel unpacks the cascading effects these cuts could have on students, families, and schools across the state.

In this episode, we reflect on the 2023 Michele Corey Child Advocacy Summit and the powerful moments that reminded us why youth voices must be at the center of our work. Advocacy is most effective when it’s inclusive, and we explore what it truly means to uplift the voices of those we serve.

Our Host and CEO Matt Gillard is joined by special guests from the Michigan Immigrants Rights Center and Centro Multicultural to discuss the recent changes in Immigration Enforcement and their impacts on Michigan kids and families. Tune in to hear a very timely episode from experts on the matter.

Special Guest Brian Jordan sits down with our President and CEO, Matt Gillard, to discuss the policy of reading. You might remember Brian from his days of playing for the Falcons and Braves, but since retiring, Brian has become a champion for children. Listen to this episode to learn about his foundation, living with dyslexia, and why advocating for children is important to him.

Following our recent Lunch and Learn on key child and family advocacy issues in this election, join Matt Gillard as he sits down with Charles Bruner, the director of InCK Marks and a leading voice in child policy. Together, they discuss critical issues on the ballot and explore what advocates need to prepare for—no matter the outcome in November.

On the latest episode of the Speaking for Kids podcast, host Matt Gillard interviews Dennis Niemiec, the Executive Producer of the documentary "Kiss the Babies," and India Williams, an advocate against gun violence and the inspiration behind the film. Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., often only gaining attention after mass shootings. "Kiss the Babies" aims to highlight the everyday impact of gun violence on youth. India, a victim of gun violence, shares how her life was forever changed by a stray bullet. Tune in as Dennis and India call for increased awareness around this critical issue. Watch the 2x Emmy award-winning documentary here, https://youtu.be/QFgummOxb9g?si=Q5csd-8TwayNVQyc to delve deeper into the conversation.