The Connected Childhood Podcast

Why Most Parent Tech Fails: Curing App Fatigue & The Mental Load (w/ Sarah Deel)

In this episode of Connected Childhood, host Rashi Kumra sits down with Sarah Deel, brand consultant and founder of Full Joy Consulting, to explore the "parent tech graveyard" and why so much of the technology built for families fails to stick. Sarah breaks down why parents abandon tools that require too much time, and how the best companies are building for the entire ecosystem of family life rather than just a single, fleeting moment. Tune in as we discuss: * The Logistically Fractured Parent: How the mental load is worsened by fragmented communication across dozens of apps and platforms. * The Power of True Aggregation: Why the real value of AI in the home isn't adding another app, but seamlessly consolidating the noise. * Designing for the Journey: Why products built only for the newborn phase get phased out, and how to build for the long arc of growth (up to age 5 or 6). * The AI Trap: The hidden risks of outsourcing our kids' conflict resolution and fundamental critical thinking skills to artificial intelligence. Whether you are a working parent exhausted by digital clutter or a founder building tools for modern families, this conversation will completely change how you look at the technology we bring into our homes.

Ditching the Parent Guilt: How Ambitious Professionals Navigate Parenthood (w/ Kelly Ling)

In this episode of The Connected Childhood Podcast, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by modern parents balancing ambitious careers with family life. Kelly Ling, founder of Stork & Spark, joins us to share her insights on how pregnancy and parental leave can actually unlock your values-aligned career potential. Tune in as we discuss: * How to redefine success after having kids. * Practical strategies for managing parent guilt and reducing the mental load. * Why treating your family like a "team" and building operational systems is a game-changer. * How to curate your modern village and simplify the chaos of parenting in a fast-changing world.

The Screen Time Myth: Why Quality and Context Matter More Than Minutes w/ Tanyella Leta from Maka

In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, Rashi Kumra, Co-founder at Ahmi and Tanyella Leta, Co-founder, Chief Product & Research Officer at Maka discuss the complexities of screen time in parenting, emphasizing the importance of content quality and context over mere quantity. They explore how technology can be designed to support childhood development rather than compete for attention, and address the guilt many parents feel regarding screen use. The conversation encourages a shift in mindset from guilt to intention, highlighting the value of thoughtful media consumption.

Screen Time & Child Development: The Real Pros & Cons w/ Columbia Physician Dr. Zachary Blumkin, Psy.D

In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, host Rashi Kumra speaks with Dr. Zachary Blumkin, a child and adolescent psychologist, about the intersection of clinical science and technology in the context of child development. They discuss the importance of understanding the impact of screen time on children, the need for emotional regulation skills, and how early tech choices can shape a child's future. Dr. Blumkin emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags in children's tech use and how Ami aims to support families in navigating these challenges.

How We Keep Kids Curious in the Age of AI and Screens w/ Jordan Bremus-Wyles from BrainPOP

In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, host Rashi Kumra speaks with Jordan Bremus-Wyles from BrainPOP about the intersection of technology, learning, and childhood development. They discuss the role of BrainPOP in modern education, the importance of engagement and active participation in learning, and how technology can be navigated responsibly. The conversation also touches on the hopes for the future of learning, emphasizing the need for children to develop a love for learning and confidence in their abilities.