Send us a text In this must-watch episode, Ishara had the amazing opportunity to sit down with the brilliant Mr. Joon S. Han, thanks to the incredible support from Ecamm’s Unstuck Studio! 😎 What you’ll learn in this episode: The behind-the-scenes of Podfest and how it’s transforming the podcasting industry Strategies to grow your podcast, brand, or business A thought-provoking discussion on AI’s role in understanding genetic diseases Real-life advice, inspiration, and laughs along the way! Whet...
May 22, 2025•7 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Send us a text Ready to uncover the next big mystery in how a pope is chosen? In this exciting follow-up episode of our special conclave series, Ishara and Father Ron return to reveal the secret world of papal voting inside the Sistine Chapel! Ever wondered how the cardinals actually pick a new pope? Spoiler: it’s not just raising hands—there are handwritten ballots, a special stove, and smoke signals that send the whole world watching a chimney! We’ll walk you through the fascinating process st...
May 13, 2025•5 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Send us a text Ever heard the word conclave and thought, “Wait—what’s that?” You’re not alone! In this special series, this fun, kid-friendly Catholic podcast! Discover how conclaves work, why cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel, and what the black and white smoke really means. Perfect for grades 2–7, homeschool families, and Catholic educators. Ishara gets the help of Father Ron from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, we’ll explore the history, traditions, and behind-the-scenes secrets of...
May 07, 2025•4 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Send us a text Join Ishara's Reading Podcast for the My Journey With Jesus Series, where young believers like you can grow in faith and have fun learning about Jesus! Ishara explores her personal relationship with Jesus and how He shapes her life. Each episode in this series, Ishara invites a special guest, which includes local priests and deacons, to answer common questions kids have about the Catholic faith and to offer valuable insights on how to live out your faith. In episode 2, of My Journ...
Apr 10, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Send us a text Join Ishara's Reading Podcast for the My Journey With Jesus Series, where young believers like you can grow in faith and have fun learning about Jesus! Ishara explores her personal relationship with Jesus and how He shapes her life. Each episode in this series, Ishara invites a special guest, which includes local priests and deacons, to answer common questions kids have about the Catholic faith and to offer valuable insights on how to live out your faith. In this first episode, Is...
Mar 27, 2025•4 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Send us a text In this special episode of Ishara's Reading Podcast , Ishara sits down with Dominique Bradford, cofounder of the Achieve Movement, to discuss the powerful work she is doing alongside Warren Andrew Pinder. Dominique shares her insights into the Achieve Movement's mission and how it fosters community-driven success. Ishara reads aloud from Warren Andrew Pinder's inspiring book, " Exploring Achieveland: A Journey to Realize Your Dreams" . This is a must-have book is beautifully illus...
Mar 20, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Send us a text So there I was at Podfest 2025, meeting the incredible Lou Diamond, host of ThriveLoud and motivational speaker! I agreed to be a guest on his show, and this was my very first time being interviewed. It was such an amazing experience! As someone who's usually the one doing the interviewing, I have to admit, I was a bit nervous—but Lou made the whole thing so much fun! Please check out his podcast ThriveLoud —my episode is #1073 , and you can listen on any of your favorite streamin...
Mar 07, 2025•59 sec
Send us a text In this exciting episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast , Ishara has an amazing conversion with Thomas Helfrich, an entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and host of "Cut The Tie" Podcast! Ishara has a fun and inspiring conversation with Thomas. They talk about books for kids and adults, and on how to stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and build confidence. Ishara’s vibrant energy bring a fresh perspective to the conversation, making it easy for young listeners to relate and learn...
Mar 01, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Send us a text Get ready for a wild, fun ride with "Chicken Little and the Very Long Race" written and Illustrated by Sam Wedelich, in this exciting episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast ! Ishara is back with another fantastic read-aloud that’s packed with humor, heart, and important life lessons. In this episode, Ishara brings Chicken Little’s race to life with her lively narration and thoughtful reflections. But wait, it’s not just about the race! Ishara shares real-life examples and insights th...
Mar 01, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Send us a text In this episode, Ishara had the amazing opportunity to sit down and chat with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of Podfest and CEO of Morgan James Publishing, all thanks to Ecamm's - Unstuck Studio! 😎 Together, they dive into Nick’s incredible work supporting podcasters, authors, and entrepreneurs, and how Podfest is helping people level up their businesses and grow their audiences. Packed with laughs, valuable insights, and practical advice, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to grow t...
Feb 07, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Send us a text Welcome to the Season 4 premiere of Ishara's Reading Podcast ! In this exciting episode, Ishara brings the whimsical world of children's literature to life as she reads, "I Took the Moon for a Walk" written by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay. Perfect for little listeners, this beautifully illustrated tale takes us on a magical journey as the moon and a young child explore the night sky together. This special episode is dedicated to Baby Bo—the newest little listener of Ishara's Read...
Feb 06, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Send us a text For the final episode of season 3, Ishara has picked the perfect holiday tale full of friendship, adventure, and tons of festive fun! In this special episode, Ishara is super excited to chat with the talented Erica S. Perl about her delightful book, How Carrot and Cookie Saved Christmas 🥕🍪 Join Ishara as Erica shares the behind-the-scenes magic of how a delightful little Carrot and a super sweet Cookie team up to save Christmas in the most unexpected way! With lots of laughs and...
Dec 24, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Send us a text In this heartwarming episode, Ishara dives into the beautiful world of Fred Rogers with a reading of You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood . Written by Aimee Reid and illustrated by Matt Phelan, this book captures the gentle spirit and profound kindness that made Mister Rogers a beloved figure for generations. Join Ishara as she explores the life and impact of Fred Rogers, the creator and host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood , a show that touched the he...
Nov 27, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Send us a text Ever wondered why the sky seems so distant, or how a simple folktale can teach us profound lessons about our relationship with nature? Join me, Ishara, as we explore the captivating Nigerian folktale "Why is the Sky So Far Away?" beautifully retold by Mary Joan Garson and brought to life through Carla Golumbi's vibrant illustrations. This episode takes you on an unexpected adventure that starts with a library visit and leads to a world where the sky was once so close, offering its...
Oct 17, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Send us a text Join us for Ishara's interview with Aida Salazar, author of the thrilling story "Jovita Wore Pants"! Their conversation takes us on a journey through both heartbreak and joy, interweaving reflections on the legacy of our ancestors and Aida's family history of sacrifice, fighting for civil rights alongside Cesar Chavez, empathy for children growing up in war zones, and envisioning what advice Jovita would give to young girls in 2024. Ms. Salazar is joined by two special guests - An...
Jun 13, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Send us a text As Ishara reflected on her understanding of Memorial Day, she choose to read "Jovita Wore Pants -The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter," Written by Jovita's great-niece and Américas Award-winner Aida Salazar and Illustrate by Eisner Award-honoree Molly Mendoza. Jovita Valdovinos true story incredible! Ishara felt Jovita reminded her of one of her favorite pretend heroes Mulan, who disguises herself as a male warrior in order to save her father. Join Ishara on the podcast or watch...
May 23, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Send us a text This special episode celebrates Passover and Earth Day! Ishara believes caring for the earth and each other is everything! Ishara discovered “The Passover Guest," while shopping at the Politics and Prose bookstore. This amazing book is written by Susan Kusel and Illustrated by Sean Rubin. She fell in love with “The Passover Guest," immediately and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to read it to you. Ishara loves that this amazing book takes the reader on a journey of hope, kindnes...
Apr 22, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Send us a text I am so excited to welcome all of you to Season 3 of Ishara's Reading Podcast! For our Season 3 Premiere, we are celebrating Women's History Month with a special podcast guest – award-winning children’s book author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich! She is a writer for PBS Parents, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and an editor for We Need Diverse Books. Some of her acclaimed books include Mae Makes a Way, Operation Sisterhood, It Doesn’t Take a Genius, 8th Grade Superzero, and Saving Ea...
Mar 30, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Send us a text It's the Christmas season! The time of year to reflect and spread good cheer! Ishara visited the Urbana Public Library in search of the perfect Christmas book to read, and she made a happy discovery: Adam McKeown's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," lovingly retold for children and beautifully illustrated by Gerald Kelley. So gather around the fireplace, cuddle up on the couch, and listen close as Ishara reads this timeless classic and inspires us to think about t...
Dec 09, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Send us a text This week we share my final author interview at this year's National Book Festival, hosted by the Library of Congress! I had so much fun meeting award-winning author Ms. Erica Perl, whose books have been New York Times Best Sellers! Ms. Erica has done so many different and amazing things, including writing, teaching, advocating for access to more books, acting, becoming a lawyer, and most delicious of all, driving an ice cream truck (yum!) One of my favorite parts of this intervie...
Nov 16, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Send us a text With the deepening beauty of fall colors and chilly evenings, the podcast celebrates this week's Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos as Ishara reads aloud Coco , adapted by Adrian Molina, illustrated by Fabiola Garza, and designed by Tony Fejeran! Maybe you saw the movie - now join Ishara as she dives through the pages of this heartwarming adventure with our young hero Miguel, who must traverse the veil between life and death itself to uncover a generations-old secret that will ...
Oct 31, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Send us a text This week we get back to our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries: Charlotte's spun master piece: "Some Pig" right above Wilbur's pen is discovered by Lurvy, Mr. Zuckerman and Mrs. Edith Zuckerman. Now everyone wants to take a look at Wilbur, the extraordinary pig on Mr. Zuckerman's farm. Find out if they think Charlotte has out smarted them as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 11 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Fans of Ishara’s Reading Podca...
Oct 27, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Send us a text Welcome to this very special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, Ishara was honored to interview acclaimed poet, writer, and musician Ms. Joy Harjo of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation who is the first ever Native American US Poet Laureate! And for this week’s book, Ishara reads aloud Ms. Joy’s moving poem, “Remember” which is now a children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling artist Michaela Goad...
Oct 09, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Send us a text On this week’s podcast, we continue Ishara’s exclusive interview series with authors from the 2023 National Book Festival in Washington D.C., sponsored by the Library of Congress! Calling all aspiring interior designers out there! Looking to bring your unique flair and sense of style to the décor in your home? How do we – and especially kids – create places in our home where we live and play that embody and honor our culture and heritage? That is what this week’s book is all about...
Oct 05, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Send us a text This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries: Charlotte puts her plan to save Wilbur into action, only after narrowly escaping from Avery Arable! Find out how Charlotte survived being captured by Avery as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 10 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds! Support the show Keep on reading and being an inspi...
Sep 28, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Send us a text Hi Ishara’s Reading Podcast fans! I’m sorry there is no new podcast episode this week, I’m a little sick 🤢. But next week Thursday (September 28th), I’ll be back to read aloud chapter 10 of Charlotte’s Web! Exciting news: I will be featured in Ms. Jeanine Hays and Mr. Bryan Mason magazine Aphrochic ( https://www.aphrochic.com/ )😍 A few weeks ago during the National Book Festival, I interviewed Ms. Jeanine and Mr. Bryan! How cool is that!!! 😎 Check out that interview right here ...
Sep 20, 2023•54 sec
Send us a text This week we continue our Chapter Book Summer/Fall Miniseries: Charlotte may be one of the smallest creatures on Zuckerman's farm but she is very smart and has the biggest heart. She is willing to defend and protect her friends, no matter who they are! Find out more about Charlotte's personality as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 9 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reacti...
Sep 15, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Send us a text Just a few weeks ago Ishara had the opportunity to attend her second National Book Festival sponsored by the Library of Congress annually in Washington D.C. And this time, it was an even bigger deal - Ishara received her very first press pass! She had an amazing experience interviewing several of her favorite authors! First to be interview by Ishara was Meg Medina - the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature! Meg is a beautifully proud Cuban American author, w...
Sep 07, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Send us a text This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: We learn that Fern may just have one of the best super powers ever! Find out about Fern's unique ability as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 8 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds! Support the show Keep on reading and being an inspiration to each other! And follow me on Instagram at https://www.i...
Aug 30, 2023•9 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send us a text This week for our Chapter Book Summer Miniseries: Wilbur learns about a plot to end his life on the Zuckerman Family Farm from an unlikely source! He is understandably distressed? Will any of Wilbur’s friends try to save him? Find out as Ishara reads aloud Chapter 7 of “Charlotte’s Web” written by E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams! Tune in every week with Ishara when she shares her musings and instant reactions as the story unfolds! Support the show Keep on reading and...
Aug 23, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 11
