The Bold and the Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast

The Ongoing Democracy Experiment: Civic Learning, Dialogue, and Family Voice | The Bold & The Brave

What does democracy look like 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence? Recorded in Philadelphia as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, this special roundtable episode of The Bold & The Brave brings together members of the National Parent Leadership Institute team to reflect on civic learning, youth voice, and the role families play in shaping a more inclusive democracy. Drawing from conversations at the Civic Learning Forum, the team explores how dialogue across differences, nonpartisan civic participation, and lived experience contribute to stronger communities and more responsive systems. This conversation looks at how democracy is practiced in everyday life, not only through voting, but through community connection, advocacy, and shared leadership across generations. Topics discussed include: * Why civic learning must include families * The importance of youth voice in shaping the future of democracy * Dialogue across differences and issue-based participation * How civic participation happens in everyday spaces * What the next chapter of democracy could look like Learn more about our work at: https://parentswholead.org [https://parentswholead.org]

Changing Spaces, Changing Lives: Diane Silva on Accessibility, Advocacy, and Family Leadership

In this episode of Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast, we sit down with Diane Silva, a Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) graduate and parent leader from Rhode Island, to talk about accessibility, advocacy, and systems change. Diane shares how her lived experience as a caregiver led her to advocate for universal changing stations in public restrooms, a need that too often goes unrecognized. Through her leadership and community organizing, Rhode Island passed legislation requiring universal changing stations in new and renovated public buildings beginning in 2027. We talk about Diane’s PLTI journey, how she learned to navigate policy and media advocacy, and what it takes to move from identifying a problem to shaping real solutions. Diane also reflects on the importance of designing public spaces with dignity in mind, expanding access in healthcare settings, and modeling leadership for the next generation. This conversation highlights the power of family leadership and why families belong in decision-making spaces that shape policies, systems, and communities. To learn more about Diane's work with the Changing Spaces Campaign, visit their website here. [https://www.changingspacescampaign.com/rhode-island]

What SNAP Really Means for Families: Stories from Hawai‘i, Memphis, and Beyond

In this episode of The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast, Carlos and Hobson sit down with Zee (Hawai‘i), Anthony (Memphis), and Carolyn (Share Our Strength) to talk about SNAP, food assistance, and the power of lived experience in shaping fairer systems. Although this conversation was recorded before the federal government shutdown, it feels more urgent than ever. As families across the country worry about delayed or halted SNAP benefits, the stories shared here remind us why advocacy, policy understanding, and community action are critical. 🎙 Highlights: • Zee and Anthony share how SNAP shaped their journeys and why stigma still hurts families • Carolyn explains how states manage food assistance and what’s changing in policy • Real talk on inclusion, power sharing, and what advocacy looks like day to day Listen, reflect, and share. When systems fail us, communities rise. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes that lift up parent voices and community power.

Fathers Lead Too: Fatherhood, Leadership & Real Talk on Representation

In this powerful episode of The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast, we explore the lived experiences of fatherhood and leadership with special guest Joshua Vaughn, a father of five, entrepreneur, and PLTI graduate. Carlos Maldonado steps in front of the camera for the first time to co-host alongside Melvette Hill as they reflect on presenting at the New England Fathering Conference, discuss the importance of intentional outreach to dads, and share real stories of growth, stretch, and purpose. 🎧 Topics include: * Fatherhood as leadership * Economic mobility for dads * PLTI’s impact and representation * Tips for supporting and recruiting fathers * Josh’s upcoming June event for men in Connecticut ✨ “Leadership has to be organic.” ✨ “Hope is nurtured daily.” ✨ “Sometimes, just showing up is enough.” 📲 Follow Joshua Vaughn on Instagram @VaughnSignatures and visit www.vaughnsignatures.com [http://www.vaughnsignatures.com] #TheBoldAndTheBrave #FatherhoodLeadership #ParentVoices #PLTI #ParentLeadership #CivicEngagement

A Conversation on Housing Inequities & Black History Month - The Bold & The Brave

In this episode of 'The Bold and the Brave, Parent Leader Podcast,' co-hosts Hobson McCain and Melvette Hill discuss the significance of Black History Month and its theme focused on African Americans and labor. The podcast also highlights the National Parent Leadership Institute’s initiatives, like the Hidden Figures series, which celebrates lesser-known African American leaders. Key topics include the historical context of housing inequities, redlining, and segregation, as well as their implications on modern-day housing and economic disparities. Julie, a parent leader from Colorado, shares insights on local efforts to combat housing crises and the impact of state and federal policies on housing availability and affordability. The discussion underscores the importance of advocacy, staying informed, and leveraging local action to address systemic issues. They encourage a balanced approach to understanding complex policies and their ripple effects on communities.