Reading Inspires is Reading Is Fundamental’s new podcast celebrating the power of books and the joy of reading. Each episode invites educators, librarians, families, authors, illustrators, and all who champion children’s literacy to explore one big question: What does reading inspire for you? Through engaging conversations and storytelling, Reading Inspires bridges the gap between research and real-world practice—showing what literacy looks and feels like in classrooms, libraries, and homes. Grounded in evidence yet open-ended in approach, this is a space for curiosity and connection. Whether you’re an educator seeking fresh ideas, a parent hoping to spark a love of reading, or simply a lifelong bookworm, you’ll find inspiration, practical insights, and stories that remind us all why reading matters—and how it changes lives.
Latest Episodes
Reclaiming, Reading, and Living the Story with Dr. Valarie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden & Dr. Susan Browne
In this episode, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Valerie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden, and Dr. Susan Browne — longtime colleagues and co-authors from Rowan University ...
Toddlers Can Read with Spencer Russell
In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Spencer Russell, founder of Toddlers Can Read, to discuss his journey from a struggling reader to a literacy advoc...
Race to Kindness with Orion Jean
At just 15, Orion Jean — TIME's 2021 Kid of the Year and founder of Race to Kindness — joins Dr. Erin Bailey to discuss how a fourth-grade kindness speech contest spar...
Why Comics Belong in Every Classroom with Shannon Live
In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Shannon Live, founder of Bat City Comics, at Comic-Con to explore how comics and graphic novels can transform lite...
Authentic Disability Representation in Children's Books with Jenna Elyse Johnson
In this episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey talks with author, educator, and bookseller Jenna Elyse Johnson about writing authentic disability representa...