Civic Parenting

Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack , author of How to Raise a Citizen , and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Together, they explore how civic learning takes shape in the ordinary moments of family life. Civic parenting is the intentional practice of welcoming children into the American story and preparing them for the responsibilities of self-government. Listen to Civic Parenting and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens.

Civic Parenting is a kids podcast hosted by National Constitution Center, with 8 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

National Constitution Center hosts Civic Parenting, a kids show with 8 episodes published.

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  Civic Parenting

  The Magic of Schoolhouse Rock!

  Aug 11, 202641 min

  In this episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, and Lindsey Cormack sit down with Aralee Dorough, Nina Lynn, and Lisa Maxwell, three women with deep personal ties to Schoolhouse Rock! who are working to preserve, celebrate, and extend the legacy of this beloved educational series. Together, they explore what made Schoolhouse Rock! groundbreaking, from its singular ability to make learning joyful and memorable to the lasting power of songs that generations of children still know by heart. They reflect on why the series continues to resonate more than 50 years later, why its magic has proven so difficult to recreate, and what today’s parents and educators can learn from a cultural phenomenon that did more than teach children about civics. It inspired generations to see learning as something engaging, memorable, and worth carrying with them throughout their lives.   Resources Schoolhouse Rock Live! at the National Constitution Center  Schoolhouse Rock Apparel, National Constitution Center  Schoolhouse Rock Live, Theatrebam Chicago Stay Connected and Learn More  Stay connected with Civic Parenting—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media, explore more activities and programs designed for families from the National Constitution Center, or subscribe to receive our family resources email newsletter. Support our important work by making a donation today.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate 

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  Civic Parenting

  One Family's Civic Quest to 2037

  Jul 21, 202636 min

  In this episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, sits down with Adam, Kelsey, and 7-year-old Dominic Varahachaikol to explore how one family has woven civic learning into everyday life, demonstrating what it means to be civic parents. From discovering the National Constitution Center through Civic Quest, the Center's interactive, play-based learning experience, to becoming one of the families selected for the America at 250 Family Time Capsule Challenge, the Varahachaikols share how constitutional learning became a meaningful part of their family's story. On July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the family sealed a collection of meaningful objects into a time capsule that will remain on display in Signers' Hall at the National Constitution Center until September 2037, when they will return to reopen it during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. What did they choose to preserve, and why? In this conversation, the Varahachaikols reveal the personal stories behind the objects in their time capsule, reflect on what it means to raise civically curious children, discuss what it means to be American at this historic moment, and share the "civic sparks" that have shaped their family's commitment to learning, service, and the enduring promise of the Constitution. Their story offers an inspiring example of how families can embrace the civic decade, using the years between America's 250th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Constitution to spark curiosity, strengthen civic habits, and deepen engagement in our nation's civic life. Resources  “Short (and very long) term time capsules to be kept in Philly as part of America 250 celebrations,” Nick Kariuki for WHYY, July 3, 2026  “Reno family selected for America 250 time capsule ceremony in Philadelphia,” This Is Reno, July 13, 2026  “Local family participates in time capsule ceremony,” NBC10 Philadelphia, July 3, 2026  Civic Quest, National Constitution Center  Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story, National Constitution Center Stay Connected and Learn More  Stay connected with Civic Parenting—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media, explore more activities and programs designed for families from the National Constitution Center, or subscribe to receive our family resources email newsletter.  Support our important work by making a donation today.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

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  Civic Parenting

  Making Civics Fun

  Jun 30, 202649 min

  In this episode, we explore the many ways civic learning happens, how to make it fun, social, surprising, and even funny. We explore how a game night, a family road trip, and even dinner table conversations all become opportunities to engage in big ideas together, and how we can create spaces and moments for children to discover a civic life of their own. Ben Sheehan, author of OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?: A Non-Boring Guide to How Our Democracy is Supposed to Work and What Does the Constitution Say: A Kids’ Guide to How Our Democracy Works, joins Julie Silverbrook and Lindsey Cormack to discuss how civics can be accessible, entertaining, and genuinely enjoyable for people of all ages. Resources Ben Sheehan, What Does the Constitution Say?: A Kid’s Guide to How Our Democracy Works (2021) Ben Sheehan, Civics Made Easy, PBS New Jersey State Dinosaur Hardosaurus foulkii Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with Civic Parenting—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and explore more activities and programs designed for families from the National Constitution Center or subscribe to receive our family resources email newsletter. Support our important work by making a donation today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

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  Civic Parenting

  The Great American Road Trip

  Jun 9, 202655 min

  In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Beverly Gage joins Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer, to discuss her recently published book, This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, and the enduring tradition of the great American road trip. Together, they explore how family travel can bring 250 years of American history to life, connecting children and adults alike to the people, places, stories, and ideals that have shaped the nation. From George Washington's travels across the young nation to today's family road trips, Americans have long understood that one of the best ways to get to know the country is to experience it firsthand. Beverly and Julie discuss how museums, historic sites, national parks, local landmarks, and even unexpected roadside stops can spark curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and help families better understand America's past and present. The conversation concludes with Beverly, Julie, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano sharing where they're road tripping with their own families this summer and reflecting on how travel can create lasting memories while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ongoing American story. Resources Beverly Gage, This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History (2026) “America Turns 250: A Guide to the Coming Festivities,” The New York Times (Jan. 22, 2026) “America 250 Calendar: Ways to Celebrate the Nation Across the Nation,” The Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore ⁠⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠⁠ for a deeper dive ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us at the ⁠⁠⁠museum⁠⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠⁠

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  Civic Parenting

  Justice Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence

  Jun 3, 202627 min

  In this special episode of Civic Parenting, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join Julie Silverbrook to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. The book introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding. Justice Gorsuch and Nitze also discuss how stories can help children connect with the founding era, why it matters to introduce young learners to both famous and lesser-known figures from our nation's past, and how families can use America's 250th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen civic curiosity, strengthen historical understanding, and help prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and self-government. Resources Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence National Constitution Center, Civic Story Hour with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and Janie Nitze National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize) Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore ⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠ for a deeper dive ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us at the ⁠⁠museum⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

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