Ishara's Reading Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Team J or Team K? I think it's time we heard K's side of the story!

I'm so excited to welcome award-winning, bestselling author Kwame Alexander to Ishara's Reading Podcast!

We're talking about his hilarious book J vs. K, the characters, their rivalry, and all the fun that comes with it.

And guess what? My friend KJ joined me and even got to ask Kwame a question!

Thank you, KJ, for sharing this experience with me. It's so much fun getting to meet authors, ask...

Send us Fan Mail

In this unforgettable episode of Ishara's Reading Podcast, Ishara sits down with His Excellency Victor Fernandes, Ambassador of Barbados to the United States, for a heartfelt conversation about family, hard work, service, and the power of believing in yourself.

As a fellow Barbadian by heritage, Ishara felt an immediate connection to the country and its people. Together, she and Ambassador Fernandes discuss his remarkable journey, from discovering broadcasting at a young age to representing Barbados on the world stage as a diplomat.

Along the way, they explore what it...

Send us Fan Mail

Can someone who didn't enjoy reading as a child grow up to become one of today's most celebrated authors?

In this inspiring episode of Ishara's Reading Podcast, recorded at the Library of Congress National Book Festival, Ishara interviews Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author and illustrator Jerry Craft.

Jerry shares his remarkable journey from a child who rarely picked up a book to an internationally acclaimed author whose stories have inspired millions of young readers.

Together, they discuss:
📚 His path to becoming an author and...

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when kids are given access to the world's knowledge?

In this special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast, Ishara visits The Source, the Library of Congress's newest permanent exhibit designed to help children, families, and lifelong learners discover the power of asking questions, investigating evidence, and exploring primary sources.

From historic documents and photographs to films, maps, recordings, and rare artifacts, The Source invites visitors to become researchers and discover how knowledge is created, preserved, and shared. Rather than simply being told the answers, visitors are encouraged to...

Send us Fan Mail

In this magical episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast, Ishara goes behind the scenes at the Library of Congress for an unforgettable conversation with bestselling author Katherine Rundell, creator of Impossible Creatures!

Together they explore mythical creatures, fantasy worlds, storytelling, imagination, and the magic behind creating unforgettable adventures for young readers. From dragons and griffins to courage and friendship, this episode is a journey into a world where impossible things become possible. 

Featuring backstage access, literary magic, and one incredible author interview, this is an episode fantasy lovers won’t wan...

Send us Fan Mail

Happy Independence Day, Guyana! 🇬🇾

Welcome to a very special episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! 

Earlier this year, Ishara had the incredible opportunity to visit Guyana during International Women’s Day celebrations, and it became an experience she will never forget. 💛💚❤️

From meeting the First Lady to interviewing government ministers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, Ishara explored the beauty, brilliance, and culture of the country connected to her own heritage.

This special podcast series begins with her experience at the WE LIFT Expo, Guyana’s major women’s empowerment and entrepr...

Send us Fan Mail

10 year old Junior journalist and podcast host Ishara had the incredible honor of interviewing cancer immunotherapy pioneer Dr. Brian Czerniecki following his keynote presentation at the Pennies In Action Foundation Gala hosted by Olympic coach Uschi Keszler. 

Pennies In Action is dedicated to supporting Dr. Czerniecki's groundbreaking cancer research while helping patients access innovative “Right to Try” treatment options that may otherwise be financially out of reach. Through advocacy, fundraising, and education, the foundation continues to bring hope to patients and families facing some of the most difficult cancer diagnoses.

D...

Send us Fan Mail

In this uplifting episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast, Ishara sits down with author Chrissy Jay to explore her empowering children’s book, I Am All That!  A beautifully designed hardcover filled with 50 affirmations that inspire confidence, positivity, and self-belief in young readers.

Perfect for kids, preteens, parents, and educators, this book goes beyond reading, each affirmation is paired with an interactive activity page that encourages journaling, reflection, and personal growth. From “I am Kind!” to “I am Worthy!” to “I am Faithful!”, I Am All That! reminds every child of their va...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 5 of Ishara's Reading Podcast! 

I am SO excited to kick off this new season by sharing one of the most incredible experiences of my life - attending the BEYA STEM Conference's 40th Anniversary and interviewing retired NASA flight controller Dr. Joeletta Patrick!

This was hands down one of the BEST STEM experiences I've ever had. Being surrounded by some many incredible people doing amazing things in space, engineering, and technology made my dream of becoming an astronaut feel more real than ever.

Send us Fan Mail

Season 4 wraps up in style! Join Ishara at the 2025 National Book Festival as she sits down with bestselling author Alan Weisman to talk about his new book, Hope Dies Last: Keeping the Future Alive. From tackling global environmental challenges to spotlighting individuals and communities from the book making a real difference, this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and...yes....hope. They also dive into the wonders of birds, coral reefs, and nature’s incredible resilience.

Perfect for book lovers, eco-warriors, and anyone curious about the future of our planet.

...

Send us Fan Mail

This conversation was BUGGING me out (in the best way)! I got to interview Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, an entomologist and creator of "The Deadliest" book series,  where animals compete game-show style to see who's the most lethal! Dr. Rice broke down the fascinating world of pheromones, the secret chemical messages bugs use to communicate  and it blew my mind! We even played a game from her book series, and you'll never guess what the deadliest sea creature is... hint: it's NOT a shark, but something people actually eat! (Spoiler: puffer fish!) Her en...

Send us Fan Mail

Ishara had an amazing time at the National Book Festival interviewing the brilliant Dr. Jorge Cham! 

Dr. Cham is a cartoonist, author, and the creator of the popular webcomic "PHD Comics" (Piled Higher and Deeper), which hilariously captures life in academia and graduate school.

In this exciting interview, Ishara and Dr. Cham dive into his wonderful book "Oliver's Great Big Universe - Volcanoes are Hot", a delightful story that combines science, adventure, and curiosity!  

They discuss everything from volcanoes and earthquakes to what a Ph.D. is. Dr...

Send us Fan Mail

Ishara is thrilled to share her latest interview with Mac Barnett, the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature! As the ninth writer to receive this prestigious honor, Mac has been inspiring young readers across the country with his imaginative stories and dedication to fostering a love of reading.

Mac Barnett is a celebrated author known for his wildly creative and humor-filled books that captivate kids everywhere. In this delightful interview, Ishara and Mac dive into his hilarious "The First Cat in Space" series, which has become an instant favorite among...

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder what it's like to experience the National Book Festival through the eyes of a 10-year-old podcaster? In this special episode, Ishara takes you behind the microphone to share her favorite moments from this year's festival!

ISHARA'S TOP SESSIONS: 

"J vs. K" - Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander's dynamic session that had the audience captivated!

"Spiders! Volcanoes! Our Scary and Amazing World" - Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice and Dr. Jorge Cham made science absolutely fascinating!

F...

Send us Fan Mail

Two years ago, when Ishara was just 8 years old, she had the honor of interviewing U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo on season 2 of Ishara's Reading Podcast about her book "Remember." What started as a young reader's curiosity blossomed into something truly special - a genuine connection that Joy treasured just as much as Ishara did!

Now, at 10 years old, Ishara gets to interview with Joy Harjo once again at the National Book Festival!

This isn't just an interview - it's a reunion between two souls who share a...

Send us Fan Mail

In this spontaneous 3-minute interview, host Ishara meets Marissa from PBS’s Social Media team right at the PBS booth during the National Book Festival! What began as a casual chat about NOVA quickly turned into an impromptu interview when they discovered their shared passion for learning and history.

Marissa opens up about why she loves working at PBS, it’s all about her passion for lifelong learning and sharing that joy with others. She and Ishara geek out over their mutual love of American history, especially the American Revolution.

🔥...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Ishara for a delightful 3-minute interview with Tanner, a young reader and aspiring chef she met at the National Book Festival!

When Ishara spotted Tanner holding a book, she just had to ask what she was reading, and that sparked a heartwarming chat about books, baking, and bold adventures!

Tanner shares her favorite book, "Kids Baking Junior," and talks about how it fuels her love for cooking. She also dives into "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia; a fantasy novel she read for...

Send us Fan Mail

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:

Whether you're a podcaster, entrepreneur, content creator, or just curious about podcasting and tech—you’ll find massive value i...

Send us Fan Mail

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 step by step, from the first v...

Send us Fan Mail

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 one of the most important—and most hidden—events in the Catholic Church.

In Part 1...

Send us Fan Mail

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 Journey with Jesus, Ishara and Father Brian explore the lives...

Send us Fan Mail

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, Ishara dives into the season of Lent. What...

Send us Fan Mail

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 illustrated by Dr. Naqib Khan and it's for parents who want to instill the values of goal-setting, growth, and community in t...

Send us Fan Mail

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 streaming platforms or watch on his ThriveLoud YouTu...

Send us Fan Mail

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 valuable lessons from Thomas. Fun and engaging interview with 9-year-old Ishara and...

Send us Fan Mail

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 that will help kids understand the power of perseverance, the value of not ju...

Send us Fan Mail

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 their podcast, business, or brand. Don’t miss out on this amazing conversation! 

Don’t mi...

Send us Fan Mail

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 Reading Podcast.  Ishara’s engaging storytelling and playful tone will captivate your l...

Send us Fan Mail

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 a sprinkle of holiday cheer, this story is perfect for bo...

Send us Fan Mail

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 hearts of everyone. Through this inspiring story, we’ll rediscover th...

Send us Fan Mail

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 tempting flavors to all. Hear how the mighty King Vaoba...

Send us Fan Mail

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 - Andrea and her daughter Julia, who came all the way from Spain to celebrate...

Send us Fan Mail

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 on her YouTube channel as she reads aloud Jovita's remarkable story of determination, resourcefulness, bravery and a...

Send us Fan Mail

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, kindness, love and tradition, with a splash of magic.

The mai...

Send us Fan Mail

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 Earth: The Climate Crisis. Learn more about Ms. Olugbemisola on her website: https://www.ol...

Send us Fan Mail

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 the many ways you can bring joy and kindness to others and the world. <...

Send us Fan Mail

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 interview was learning what it was like for Ms. Erica to write...

Send us Fan Mail

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 restore a forgotten legacy of his family. On this amazing reading j...

Send us Fan Mail

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 Podcast aka Super Readers! We are at the exact halfway po...

Send us Fan Mail

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 Goade of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes.

In her interview wi...