Keep Kids Alive Podcast

Episode 42: Louis Pratt

In this episode of the Keep Kids Alive Podcast, host Tom Everson sits down with Louis Pratt, a rising leader in traffic safety and the former National Student Leadership Council President for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Louis shares his journey from discovering SADD in a small-town high school to becoming a driving force on the national stage. He reflects on creative campaigns like transforming friendship bracelets into traffic safety tools, building the Taylor Swift–inspired Eras Toolkit, and engaging peers at the unforgettable Sasquatch Festival. Together, Tom and Louis dive into the power of youth voices in changing behaviors, the importance of personal “whys” behind safe driving, and the future of traffic safety on college campuses and beyond. With passion, humor, and vision, Louis shows how young leaders are reshaping how we talk about safety, and why it matters. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, leadership, and being the change you wish to see.

Episode 41: Aly Geller, Amy Cohen, and Regina Bateson on the power of storytelling

In this episode of the Keep Kids Alive podcast, host Tom Everson discusses the critical role of storytelling in advocating for traffic safety with guests Amy Cohen, Allie Geller, and Regina Bateson. They explore the impact of personal narratives on policy change, the importance of community support, and the newly introduced story map that memorializes victims of traffic violence. The conversation emphasizes the emotional journey of sharing stories, the need for empathy in advocacy, and the collective effort required to create safer streets for all.

Episode 40: Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids

This conversation between Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Founder Tom Everson and Lenore Skenazy, founder of Free-Range Kids and president of the Let Grow Initiative, focuses on the importance of allowing children to have independent play and explore their surroundings. They discuss how society's fear and overprotection have limited children's freedom and hindered their development. Lenore shares her experience of letting her son navigate the subway alone and the backlash she faced as a result. They also discuss the benefits of unstructured play and the negative effects of excessive adult supervision. The conversation highlights the need to trust children, promote their independence, and allow them to take risks. Tune in and explore the importance of allowing children to engage in independent play and take risks, highlighting the benefits of free play and the negative consequences of overprotective parenting. Learn about the Let Grow initiative, which promotes mixed-age, unstructured play in schools, and the Free-Range Parenting legislation that has been passed in several states. https://www.freerangekids.com/ https://keepkidsalivedrive25.org/

Episode 39: Denise McPherson, Shea Ralston, Gary Gee

Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 founder and podcast host, Tom Everson, hosts a heartfelt conversation about the life and impact of Brandon, a young boy who tragically passed away in a 2004 car accident. The conversation includes Brandon's mother, Denise, his fourth-grade teacher, Gary, and his classmate, Shea. They share stories and memories of Brandon's vibrant personality, his love for entertaining, and his ability to bring joy to those around him. The conversation highlights the lasting impact Brandon had on his friends and the community. https://www.keepkidsalivedrive25.org/podcast

Episode 38: Jillian Garrigues, Kelly Campbell, Josie Derrick on “Do the math. Save a life”

Struggling to engage your students in math? This episode explores a unique solution! Join Tom Everson (Keep Kids Alive Drive 25) alongside Kelly Campbell and Jillian Garrigues (Idaho Transportation Dept.) as they discuss a curriculum that uses real-world traffic data to make math come alive for young people. Hear from Josie Derrick, a Boise math teacher, about her experience implementing this innovative program. https://itd.idaho.gov/news/do-the-math/