"Books are the key to unlocking your soul's true potential." These aren't the words of a veteran educator or bestselling author – they come from nine-year-old Ishara, host of Ishara's Reading Podcast, literacy advocate, and aspiring astronaut who dreams of leading a mission to Mars.
In this inspiring episode, Ishara is at her skating rink (YouTube video of this episode!) She shares how her reading podcast is helping children around the world access literature, explore big ideas, and discover the joy of learning. From environmental stewardship to space exploration, Ishara connects storytelling with action—proving that age is no barrier to leadership.
Listeners will hear how she’s using her voice to empower others, promote equity in reading access, and inspire curiosity in STEM. This episode is a heartwarming look at youth leadership, peer mentoring, and the limitless power of books.
Subscribe to Ishara's Reading Podcast to witness this inspiring young voice in action and discover how storytelling can spark curiosity, activism, and positive change in listeners of all ages.
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Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
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Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!
Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.
If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.
The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (00:00):
What if books could do more than just tell
stories?
What if they could launch newideas, fueling big dreams, and
even inspire kids to changetheir world?
Well, today we're talking tonine-year-old podcaster, figure
skater and aspiring astronaut,ishara, who is using
storytelling to spark a love forreading and empower kids to
(00:21):
help protect the planet.
And since we're recording ather ice rink, we'll even get to
see her in action on the ice.
So get ready.
We're about to launch into aconversation full of big ideas
and possibilities.
Welcome to the brighter side ofeducation, research, innovation
(00:48):
and resources.
I'm your host, Dr Lisa Hassler,here to enlighten and brighten
the classrooms in Americathrough focused conversation on
important topics in education.
In each episode, I discussproblems we as teachers and
parents are facing and whatpeople are doing in their
communities to fix it.
What are the variables and howcan we duplicate it to maximize
(01:08):
student outcomes?
Today, we're talking about thepower of storytelling, not just
for literacy, but for inspiringreal world change.
We all know that reading isimportant and it strengthens
minds, builds vocabulary andsupports academic success.
But what if reading could domore?
What if books could empowerkids to become leaders, change
(01:30):
makers and even protectors ofour planet?
Well, that's exactly what we'reexploring today.
Research shows that whenchildren engage with stories
that connect to real worldchallenges, they develop deeper
empathy, problem solving skillsand a stronger sense of purpose.
When kids see themselves in thestories they hear, they start
believing that they, too, canmake a difference.
(01:50):
A study in the Journal of EarlyChildhood Literacy found that
storytelling increaseschildren's engagement,
motivation and ability to retaininformation, especially when
tied to subjects that they careabout.
And when it comes to issueslike protecting the planet,
young voices are more importantthan ever.
A 2022 UNICEF report revealedthat kids today are more aware
(02:13):
of climate and sustainabilityissues than previous generations
, and when given the rightplatform, they want to take
action.
Today's guest is proof thatyoung voices can make big impact
.
At just nine years old, asharais already soaring to new
heights as the host of Ashara'sReading Podcast, where she
brings books to life for younglisteners and inspires them to
(02:35):
think beyond the page.
But Ashara's podcast isn't justabout storytelling.
It's about taking action.
She uses her platform to sparkcuriosity, encourage kids to
love reading and inspire them toprotect the environment.
Now, in its fourth season, herpodcast has reached listeners
around the world, connectingbooks with big ideas.
(02:55):
And beyond podcasting.
Ashara is a competitive figureskater, as we can see, and a
future astronaut in the making.
She dreams of one day making amission to Mars and leading that
mission.
But today she is leading adifferent kind of mission
helping kids discover power ofstorytelling.
So let's lace up and glide intotoday's conversation.
(03:17):
Ashara, welcome to the BrighterSide of Education.
Can you tell us a little bitabout yourself?
Ishara (03:22):
Thank you for inviting me to the brighter side of
education, dr Lisa.
So I have a reading podcast.
It's called the Shara's ReadingPodcast.
When we were creating the name,we weren't the most creative,
but it gets the point acrossbecause it is a reading podcast.
I do read books.
I interview authors andillustrators and I talk about
(03:45):
the book at the end as part ofthe commentary.
The thing is for adults andalso as kids.
We get told no so many times.
It's like a little, teeny, tiny, atom-sized box keeping you
inside.
Atoms are very small, so Idecided to use an atom.
The thing is for me, in myopinion, is that books are the
(04:09):
key to unlocking your soul'strue potential.
Far that, yes.
The thing that interested meinto becoming an astronaut is a
book, and when I was four, I wasinterested in ice skating
because of a book.
A book got me on a start on allthe things I am doing now in my
(04:33):
life and here you are.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (04:34):
you're a figure skater and we get to be
with you as you are on the ice.
What are your favorite skills?
Ishara (04:40):
Well, my favorite it's a single one into a double D
slide and doing a pose.
It's really fun.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (04:47):
So do we get to see you do one today?
Yes, and there she goes.
That was amazing.
(05:08):
How long did it take you to getthat skill down?
Ishara (05:11):
I created it my single lets I learned from my coaches
and the knee slide thing at theend.
Yeah, that's just me wanting todo a knee slide because it's my
one of my favorite skills.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:23):
Well, you pulled it off beautifully, so
thank you for sharing that withus.
So books got you inspired totake to the ice.
They inspired you to want tobecome an astronaut and even to
do the reading podcast.
How did the beginnings of yourpodcast start?
Ishara (05:40):
It started when 2020 hit the worst years of my life.
I used to do the podcast withmy best friend, kennedy, and it
was called the Kids ReadingPodcast and the way it started
was actually a joke that ourparents said we used to read
books together, pretend to bethe characters and make the
(06:01):
story so fun.
And our parents said to eachother, as a joke, they should do
a podcast together.
And we were like, what's apodcast?
Let's do it.
It sounds cool and that's howthe kids reading podcast started
.
But by the first episode, myfriend Kennedy had to move to
Japan because her mom got a job.
(06:21):
So Japan.
So we couldn't do the kidsreading podcast anymore because
they were going through stressof moving to Japan.
I've always wanted to know whatJapan's like.
Curiosity.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (06:33):
So it was first called the kids reading
podcast and now it's a ShowersReading Podcast.
Ishara (06:38):
When we stopped the Kids Reading Podcast, I told my mom
I really, really enjoyed doingthe podcast.
So I decided to continue and Idid and I started the Showers
Reading Podcast.
It makes me chuckle whenever Ihear season one's audio, because
I didn't always have a mic inthe past, so every now and then
(06:59):
you'd hear my grandmother, mynana in the background cooking.
It's always funny whenever youhear like the past and then you
compare it to now and it's likewow, always growing right,
always getting better.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (07:13):
I love how something that you naturally
loved to do turned into wantingto inspire others.
So why did you go to thedirection of wanting to help
inspire kids with storytellingand reading and the environment?
How did that connection cometogether?
I?
Ishara (07:29):
always loved books but I was a baby.
We used to live in Africa.
I love this book called Look,and I really enjoyed hearing my
parents and my great aunt readit to me and there's this funny
story where I kept asking herread, read, read and she had to
read this one book all the timeto me.
(07:52):
I really enjoyed hearing it inthe past me, I really enjoyed
hearing it in the past and weactually found the book after a
long time and not finding it.
So I get to see what I used toreally really like.
The book was about how my facewas different from someone
else's face and if you gotinterest me in space, it was a
(08:13):
book.
The book was called no Placefor Pluto.
Pluto gets the biggest shock ofhis life when he discovers he's
not a planet anymore.
Reading it aloud, brung so muchjoy to me reading that book but
still gets the biggest shock ofhis life he's not a planet
anymore and he tries to find hisplace in the universe because
(08:35):
not a's not a planet.
So what is he?
So that's what he found out andwe've all kind of felt like
Cluno once in a while in thatbook Because we've all wondered
every now and then.
Well then, what do I do?
That got me interested intobecoming an astronaut?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (08:53):
And you met someone from NASA recently.
Am I correct in that?
Yes, I got to go to NASA andmeet my second favorite
astronaut.
Ishara (08:58):
And you met someone from NASA recently.
Am I correct in that?
Yes, I got to go to NASA andmeet my second favorite
astronaut, jose Hernandez.
He has a lot of tenacitybecause he had to apply to NASA
12 times and on the 12th time heactually got accepted.
11 rejection letters.
Yes, 11 rejection letters.
(09:19):
I wanted to use books to bringthe joy of reading to kids
around the world, and iceskating brought me so much joy.
But I never knew about like iceskating can be a competitive
sport until I read the bookcalled Icebreaker, how Mabel
Fairbanks broke the icy barriersof figure skating and allowed
(09:41):
women of color to do figureskating.
I never knew you could do itfor a living, and that's how I
discovered being a competitivefigure skater.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (09:51):
Is that what you want to do?
Do you want to do this for aliving?
Ishara (09:54):
Yes, but my really big dream is the astronaut, the
astronaut.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:00):
Do you think your podcast is having the
impact that you want it to havewith helping kids be
environmental change agents?
Ishara (10:07):
Yes, because the environment is something we all
share in, because we live onplanet Earth.
So far, planet Earth is theonly planet we know of right now
that has life on it.
So until we can figure out howto live on Mars, there's no
planet 2.
At least that's what I hope.
That gets to happen.
We get to be on Mars, but untilwe figure out how to do
(10:31):
something, this is the onlyplanet we ever get to live on.
So we have to take care of it,because this planet helps us.
And if we don't take care ofthis planet, how will the next
generation have a planet thatthey can live on?
How will we figure out where wewill go?
And just taking care of thisplanet almost ensures a better
(10:54):
future for the next generation.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:57):
Very true, wise words.
So I can see how, then, theconnection between your
inspiration and what motivatedyou to want to have big dreams
like being an astronaut and allof those things have to do with
taking care of our planet andthen exploring other
opportunities, and I can see howyour podcast is bridging that
(11:17):
to try to help other kids beinspired to do the same.
And so your parents arescientists.
Is that what got you interestedin science?
Ishara (11:38):
Yes, my mom is the executive director of a
nonprofit organization.
She's also a scientist.
She studied the virus HIV inAfrica, saved millions of lives.
Okay, sorry, I always get veryexcited whenever I talk.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (11:51):
I can tell she's a hero to you.
She's done some great things,and your dad, he's done some
great things with science aswell, right, yes, he studies the
parasitic disease lush mania orlush radiasis.
It's no wonder that you'reexcited about science and the
curiosities of the world.
What kind of challenges ineducation or reading do you want
(12:11):
to address in your podcast?
Ishara (12:15):
I know this we are not getting rid of computers,
tablets, iphones, and that'shere to stay.
Computers, tablets, iphones,and that's here to stay.
So kids are being more drawn tothose things and not,
technically, books.
So one of the things I think mypodcast can bring is it is
digital, so that addresses thething of technology, and I also
(12:40):
read books on it.
It's that somewhere in betweenthing that appeals to both
parties.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (12:45):
Yeah, I like that it can be anywhere also.
So if I wanted to hear you reada story, I could be taking a
walk, I could just listen to it,and sometimes just listening
and not having to hold somethingand watch it necessarily is a
bit of a freedom too.
Ishara (13:02):
Speaking of books, I'm actually writing a kid's book.
It's a graphic novel.
It's fictional, but the thingsthat happen in the book are
somewhat non-fictional.
It's about the immune system.
It's called the Immune Heroes.
Sorry, it is not out yet.
I am barely finishing everychapter every year.
It's not going to come out in awhile.
(13:23):
Check out my podcast for moreinformation, please.
What's the storyline on it?
It's about the immune systemand when all the pathogens in
the world actually team up andtry to beat the immune system.
It's like a superhero book, butcombination with something that
actually happens in your bodywhen you get sick.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (13:43):
My gosh, are you doing the comics too?
Are you drawing?
Ishara (13:46):
Yes, I am also illustrating it myself.
I enjoyed hearing about theimmune system so much I started
writing.
And then I thought, hey, Ishould illustrate the book
myself too.
And there's this thing that mymom said well, to illustrate the
book, you have to know how todraw, and that's why I keep
(14:07):
practicing drawing and sketchingcharacters.
I already started resketchingmost of the characters in the
book from my pre-design on anotebook that I lost.
That's why my book is takingsuch a long, long, long time to
write.
I lost a book for about a year.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (14:25):
How great it's going to feel when it's all
done, especially since you'reillustrating it and you've met
so many authors.
How is that experience beingable to talk to the people who
write these books that youreally love?
Ishara (14:36):
The experience is so mind-blowing.
Imagine this you get to meetyour childhood hero and you get
to interview them.
I actually have done that.
One of the personal stories ofmeeting a childhood hero is when
I met my favorite astronaut,Mae Jemison.
She is the firstAfrican-American woman to go
into space and to become anastronaut, and the way I heard
(14:58):
about her is through a book.
Interviewing authors andillustrators is like hearing
what made them wanting to sharethat book with the world.
One of my currently favoritebooks right now is the Wild
Robot.
It was turned into a movie, asyou might have seen, and it is a
really good book about how arobot went above and beyond her
(15:20):
own programming to try to takecare of her orphaned gosling.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:24):
I've read that story to my classroom and I
loved it.
There's like three books inthat series.
Right, Did they come up withmore?
Ishara (15:31):
No trilogy series and I got to meet the offer.
I haven't read it on my podcastyet, but I might.
I might read it on my podcastand I also got my book
autographed.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:43):
Have you gotten feedback about what your
listeners think about all of thethings that you're doing?
Ishara (15:48):
Hmm, I have to think about that.
My season two opener back thenthat was like the longest
episode and it was the bookabout the environment no world
Too Big and it was about howkids, kids, became environmental
ambassadors to try to protectthe environment.
(16:10):
And the second book, this onewas a little newer.
This one was in season threeand it was called you Are my
Friend, the story of FreddieRogers and his neighborhood, and
showed how kindness can help usdiscover how there are
neighbors all around us.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (16:29):
Do you have a favorite story that that you've
shared with your audience?
Ishara (16:33):
I really think it was actually Freddie Rogers, because
I really enjoyed reading thatbook, because it was about being
kind to others, and in theworld right now it needs a lot
of kindness to heal some things.
So I say that was my favorite.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (16:49):
How has your podcast evolved since you first
started it, and were there anymajor turning points or
surprises along the way?
Ishara (16:56):
One better audio because I actually have a microphone
now.
Two, I actually have startedinterviewing podcasters and also
being on other people'spodcasts too, Like yours, Like
now, yes.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (17:11):
Did you start off in video?
Ishara (17:13):
I started on Just On you , but in Season 2, for the first
episode, I actually starteddoing video and audio.
And Season 2 was also when Istarted interviewing authors and
illustrators.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (17:28):
What kind of feedback have you gotten from
parents and teachers?
Ishara (17:30):
Well, I've discovered that most of the people who
listen to my podcast haveenjoyed hearing my commentary.
The part at the end of allparts, the beginning, the middle
it was the end Part, when Italk about why I love this book
and why I picked this book, andone of the notes I got from a
(17:54):
lot of them is to start doingthat reading tip that I do when
I don't get to interview theauthor or the illustrator.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (18:02):
Why do you think they like that the best?
Ishara (18:04):
Because it helps kids learn how to read more.
That's why I did a reading tipand also they also enjoy hearing
what I talk about the book andshare what my personal stories
that help connect me to the book.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (18:20):
Do you think that they're?
They're helping.
Ishara (18:22):
I really hope down to the bottom of my heart that it
is helping.
But the one problem is not alot of kids have access to books
.
They can't just go to theirlocal library and pick up a
random book.
So that's why I really think mypodcast is helping, because
they get to hear a book and theymight be able to discover it
for themselves.
(18:42):
I got kids in Australialistening to my podcast, Japan,
some places that I haven't evenbeen to myself.
So that's why I really reallylove doing my podcast, because
it helps kids discover the joyof reading especially in today's
digital landscape.
(19:03):
Yes, like I said before, mypodcast is trying to help kids
who do not have access to thebooks we have access to.
Sometimes we never reallyunderstand how much we should be
thankful because we have accessto so much as kids.
It's so mind blowing.
So that's why I think mypodcast is helping.
(19:25):
Also, I'm sorry if I randomlydo that.
I'm a little stuffy.
I'm recovering from a cold.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (19:31):
We definitely understand what is next for your
reading podcast.
Are there any sort of excitingprojects or plans in the works?
Where are you going next?
Ishara (19:38):
The book festival in September.
Very excited because I reallywant to do it.
It's like the heaven for booklovers.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (19:46):
excited because I really want to do it.
It's like the heaven for booklovers.
What kind of things are yougoing to do this season?
Ishara (20:00):
Well, I'm doing the reading tip.
I'm also doing something calledlive reads, where I ask some of
my friends, and sometimes evenjust random kids, to read a
section of the book with me onmy podcast.
So it's not just authors andillustrators this season it's
going to be also kids.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:12):
I love that.
Yes, that's wonderful.
Is that going to be like onInstagram, on Facebook?
Is there a day that you'redoing it or is it still in the
works?
Ishara (20:21):
It's going to be on YouTube and I haven't done the
first episode with it yet, butI'm hoping, really hoping
strongly, that it's going to besoon.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:31):
How would listeners be able to find out
about that?
Would you announce that onInstagram when it's going to
happen?
Ishara (20:36):
Yes, and it's also going to be on my YouTube channel, so
you're going to be able towatch what happens too.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:42):
I'm so excited about that.
So, as we wrap up, what kind ofadvice can you give to adults
who want to encourage kids toexplore their passions, whether
it's reading or podcasting,skating, dreaming of going to
space or even helping save theplanet?
Ishara (20:57):
Say yes more, because just saying yes makes a kid
think they can do it, and justmaking them think they can do it
makes them want to do it evenmore.
So saying yes more doesn'tlimit what they're thinking.
It just makes them want toreach for the stars as high as
they can Sometimes not literally, and sometimes literally.
(21:19):
So say yes more so the kid'sinspirations could go beyond the
world sometimes.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (21:26):
I love that.
That is great advice.
Ishara (21:27):
And also actually sometimes they do want to go to
other planets.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (21:32):
Like you, to Mars.
Ishara (21:33):
I want to lead the mission to Mars because I really
, just, really really want to bean astronaut.
I want to see what other worldsare like, because it's just you
get to be in space, no gravity,so you get to jump as high as
you can too.
You get to explore not justyour planet, you get to explore
(21:56):
the whole solar system, theuniverse, galaxies, nebula.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (22:00):
Look at your passion comes through.
You have so many big dreams andI just I'm so excited that you
were able to share them with ustoday, and your passion for
books and storytelling and theenvironment.
Honestly, it's truly inspiring.
So, and it's not just for kids,but for all of us.
So it has been such a pleasureto have you on the show today
(22:21):
and, I have to say, getting towatch you perform on the ice was
a true treat.
Whether you're behind the mic,on the ice or even looking
towards the stars, you areproving that young voices and
big dreams can take us anywhere.
Ishara (22:35):
Thank you so much for inviting me.
I really enjoyed being here.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (22:39):
Well, if today's conversation inspired
you, be sure to check outAshara's reading podcast and
explore how books can sparkimagination, action and change.
And if you're a parent oreducator, consider storytelling
as a way to connect reading withreal world learning.
Whether through podcasts, audiobooks or even writing their own
stories, you can give kids avoice and a powerful way to help
(23:01):
them grow by just saying yes,yes, if you have a story about
what's working in your schoolsthat you'd like to share, you
can email me at lisa atdrlisahasslercom, or visit my
website at wwwdrlisahasslercomand send me a message.
If you like this podcast,subscribe and tell a friend.
(23:22):
The more people that know, thebigger impact it will have.
And if you find value to thecontent in this podcast,
consider becoming a supporter byclicking on the supporter link
in the show notes.
It is the mission of thispodcast to shine light on the
good in education so that itspreads, affecting positive
change.
So let's keep working togetherto find solutions that focus on
(23:42):
our children's success.
What if books could do more than just tell
stories?
What if they could launch newideas, fueling big dreams, and
even inspire kids to changetheir world?
Well, today we're talking tonine-year-old podcaster, figure
skater and aspiring astronaut,ishara, who is using
storytelling to spark a love forreading and empower kids to
(00:21):
help protect the planet.
And since we're recording ather ice rink, we'll even get to
see her in action on the ice.
So get ready.
We're about to launch into aconversation full of big ideas
and possibilities.
Welcome to the brighter side ofeducation, research, innovation
(00:48):
and resources.
I'm your host, Dr Lisa Hassler,here to enlighten and brighten
the classrooms in Americathrough focused conversation on
important topics in education.
In each episode, I discussproblems we as teachers and
parents are facing and whatpeople are doing in their
communities to fix it.
What are the variables and howcan we duplicate it to maximize
(01:08):
student outcomes?
Today, we're talking about thepower of storytelling, not just
for literacy, but for inspiringreal world change.
We all know that reading isimportant and it strengthens
minds, builds vocabulary andsupports academic success.
But what if reading could domore?
What if books could empowerkids to become leaders, change
(01:30):
makers and even protectors ofour planet?
Well, that's exactly what we'reexploring today.
Research shows that whenchildren engage with stories
that connect to real worldchallenges, they develop deeper
empathy, problem solving skillsand a stronger sense of purpose.
When kids see themselves in thestories they hear, they start
believing that they, too, canmake a difference.
(01:50):
A study in the Journal of EarlyChildhood Literacy found that
storytelling increaseschildren's engagement,
motivation and ability to retaininformation, especially when
tied to subjects that they careabout.
And when it comes to issueslike protecting the planet,
young voices are more importantthan ever.
A 2022 UNICEF report revealedthat kids today are more aware
(02:13):
of climate and sustainabilityissues than previous generations
, and when given the rightplatform, they want to take
action.
Today's guest is proof thatyoung voices can make big impact
.
At just nine years old, asharais already soaring to new
heights as the host of Ashara'sReading Podcast, where she
brings books to life for younglisteners and inspires them to
(02:35):
think beyond the page.
But Ashara's podcast isn't justabout storytelling.
It's about taking action.
She uses her platform to sparkcuriosity, encourage kids to
love reading and inspire them toprotect the environment.
Now, in its fourth season, herpodcast has reached listeners
around the world, connectingbooks with big ideas.
(02:55):
And beyond podcasting.
Ashara is a competitive figureskater, as we can see, and a
future astronaut in the making.
She dreams of one day making amission to Mars and leading that
mission.
But today she is leading adifferent kind of mission
helping kids discover power ofstorytelling.
So let's lace up and glide intotoday's conversation.
(03:17):
Ashara, welcome to the BrighterSide of Education.
Can you tell us a little bitabout yourself?
Ishara (03:22):
Thank you for inviting me to the brighter side of
education, dr Lisa.
So I have a reading podcast.
It's called the Shara's ReadingPodcast.
When we were creating the name,we weren't the most creative,
but it gets the point acrossbecause it is a reading podcast.
I do read books.
I interview authors andillustrators and I talk about
(03:45):
the book at the end as part ofthe commentary.
The thing is for adults andalso as kids.
We get told no so many times.
It's like a little, teeny, tiny, atom-sized box keeping you
inside.
Atoms are very small, so Idecided to use an atom.
The thing is for me, in myopinion, is that books are the
(04:09):
key to unlocking your soul'strue potential.
Far that, yes.
The thing that interested meinto becoming an astronaut is a
book, and when I was four, I wasinterested in ice skating
because of a book.
A book got me on a start on allthe things I am doing now in my
(04:33):
life and here you are.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (04:34):
you're a figure skater and we get to be
with you as you are on the ice.
What are your favorite skills?
Ishara (04:40):
Well, my favorite it's a single one into a double D
slide and doing a pose.
It's really fun.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (04:47):
So do we get to see you do one today?
Yes, and there she goes.
That was amazing.
(05:08):
How long did it take you to getthat skill down?
Ishara (05:11):
I created it my single lets I learned from my coaches
and the knee slide thing at theend.
Yeah, that's just me wanting todo a knee slide because it's my
one of my favorite skills.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:23):
Well, you pulled it off beautifully, so
thank you for sharing that withus.
So books got you inspired totake to the ice.
They inspired you to want tobecome an astronaut and even to
do the reading podcast.
How did the beginnings of yourpodcast start?
Ishara (05:40):
It started when 2020 hit the worst years of my life.
I used to do the podcast withmy best friend, kennedy, and it
was called the Kids ReadingPodcast and the way it started
was actually a joke that ourparents said we used to read
books together, pretend to bethe characters and make the
(06:01):
story so fun.
And our parents said to eachother, as a joke, they should do
a podcast together.
And we were like, what's apodcast?
Let's do it.
It sounds cool and that's howthe kids reading podcast started
.
But by the first episode, myfriend Kennedy had to move to
Japan because her mom got a job.
(06:21):
So Japan.
So we couldn't do the kidsreading podcast anymore because
they were going through stressof moving to Japan.
I've always wanted to know whatJapan's like.
Curiosity.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (06:33):
So it was first called the kids reading
podcast and now it's a ShowersReading Podcast.
Ishara (06:38):
When we stopped the Kids Reading Podcast, I told my mom
I really, really enjoyed doingthe podcast.
So I decided to continue and Idid and I started the Showers
Reading Podcast.
It makes me chuckle whenever Ihear season one's audio, because
I didn't always have a mic inthe past, so every now and then
(06:59):
you'd hear my grandmother, mynana in the background cooking.
It's always funny whenever youhear like the past and then you
compare it to now and it's likewow, always growing right,
always getting better.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (07:13):
I love how something that you naturally
loved to do turned into wantingto inspire others.
So why did you go to thedirection of wanting to help
inspire kids with storytellingand reading and the environment?
How did that connection cometogether?
I?
Ishara (07:29):
always loved books but I was a baby.
We used to live in Africa.
I love this book called Look,and I really enjoyed hearing my
parents and my great aunt readit to me and there's this funny
story where I kept asking herread, read, read and she had to
read this one book all the timeto me.
(07:52):
I really enjoyed hearing it inthe past me, I really enjoyed
hearing it in the past and weactually found the book after a
long time and not finding it.
So I get to see what I used toreally really like.
The book was about how my facewas different from someone
else's face and if you gotinterest me in space, it was a
(08:13):
book.
The book was called no Placefor Pluto.
Pluto gets the biggest shock ofhis life when he discovers he's
not a planet anymore.
Reading it aloud, brung so muchjoy to me reading that book but
still gets the biggest shock ofhis life he's not a planet
anymore and he tries to find hisplace in the universe because
(08:35):
not a's not a planet.
So what is he?
So that's what he found out andwe've all kind of felt like
Cluno once in a while in thatbook Because we've all wondered
every now and then.
Well then, what do I do?
That got me interested intobecoming an astronaut?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (08:53):
And you met someone from NASA recently.
Am I correct in that?
Yes, I got to go to NASA andmeet my second favorite
astronaut.
Ishara (08:58):
And you met someone from NASA recently.
Am I correct in that?
Yes, I got to go to NASA andmeet my second favorite
astronaut, jose Hernandez.
He has a lot of tenacitybecause he had to apply to NASA
12 times and on the 12th time heactually got accepted.
11 rejection letters.
Yes, 11 rejection letters.
(09:19):
I wanted to use books to bringthe joy of reading to kids
around the world, and iceskating brought me so much joy.
But I never knew about like iceskating can be a competitive
sport until I read the bookcalled Icebreaker, how Mabel
Fairbanks broke the icy barriersof figure skating and allowed
(09:41):
women of color to do figureskating.
I never knew you could do itfor a living, and that's how I
discovered being a competitivefigure skater.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (09:51):
Is that what you want to do?
Do you want to do this for aliving?
Ishara (09:54):
Yes, but my really big dream is the astronaut, the
astronaut.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:00):
Do you think your podcast is having the
impact that you want it to havewith helping kids be
environmental change agents?
Ishara (10:07):
Yes, because the environment is something we all
share in, because we live onplanet Earth.
So far, planet Earth is theonly planet we know of right now
that has life on it.
So until we can figure out howto live on Mars, there's no
planet 2.
At least that's what I hope.
That gets to happen.
We get to be on Mars, but untilwe figure out how to do
(10:31):
something, this is the onlyplanet we ever get to live on.
So we have to take care of it,because this planet helps us.
And if we don't take care ofthis planet, how will the next
generation have a planet thatthey can live on?
How will we figure out where wewill go?
And just taking care of thisplanet almost ensures a better
(10:54):
future for the next generation.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:57):
Very true, wise words.
So I can see how, then, theconnection between your
inspiration and what motivatedyou to want to have big dreams
like being an astronaut and allof those things have to do with
taking care of our planet andthen exploring other
opportunities, and I can see howyour podcast is bridging that
(11:17):
to try to help other kids beinspired to do the same.
And so your parents arescientists.
Is that what got you interestedin science?
Ishara (11:38):
Yes, my mom is the executive director of a
nonprofit organization.
She's also a scientist.
She studied the virus HIV inAfrica, saved millions of lives.
Okay, sorry, I always get veryexcited whenever I talk.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (11:51):
I can tell she's a hero to you.
She's done some great things,and your dad, he's done some
great things with science aswell, right, yes, he studies the
parasitic disease lush mania orlush radiasis.
It's no wonder that you'reexcited about science and the
curiosities of the world.
What kind of challenges ineducation or reading do you want
(12:11):
to address in your podcast?
Ishara (12:15):
I know this we are not getting rid of computers,
tablets, iphones, and that'shere to stay.
Computers, tablets, iphones,and that's here to stay.
So kids are being more drawn tothose things and not,
technically, books.
So one of the things I think mypodcast can bring is it is
digital, so that addresses thething of technology, and I also
(12:40):
read books on it.
It's that somewhere in betweenthing that appeals to both
parties.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (12:45):
Yeah, I like that it can be anywhere also.
So if I wanted to hear you reada story, I could be taking a
walk, I could just listen to it,and sometimes just listening
and not having to hold somethingand watch it necessarily is a
bit of a freedom too.
Ishara (13:02):
Speaking of books, I'm actually writing a kid's book.
It's a graphic novel.
It's fictional, but the thingsthat happen in the book are
somewhat non-fictional.
It's about the immune system.
It's called the Immune Heroes.
Sorry, it is not out yet.
I am barely finishing everychapter every year.
It's not going to come out in awhile.
(13:23):
Check out my podcast for moreinformation, please.
What's the storyline on it?
It's about the immune systemand when all the pathogens in
the world actually team up andtry to beat the immune system.
It's like a superhero book, butcombination with something that
actually happens in your bodywhen you get sick.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (13:43):
My gosh, are you doing the comics too?
Are you drawing?
Ishara (13:46):
Yes, I am also illustrating it myself.
I enjoyed hearing about theimmune system so much I started
writing.
And then I thought, hey, Ishould illustrate the book
myself too.
And there's this thing that mymom said well, to illustrate the
book, you have to know how todraw, and that's why I keep
(14:07):
practicing drawing and sketchingcharacters.
I already started resketchingmost of the characters in the
book from my pre-design on anotebook that I lost.
That's why my book is takingsuch a long, long, long time to
write.
I lost a book for about a year.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (14:25):
How great it's going to feel when it's all
done, especially since you'reillustrating it and you've met
so many authors.
How is that experience beingable to talk to the people who
write these books that youreally love?
Ishara (14:36):
The experience is so mind-blowing.
Imagine this you get to meetyour childhood hero and you get
to interview them.
I actually have done that.
One of the personal stories ofmeeting a childhood hero is when
I met my favorite astronaut,Mae Jemison.
She is the firstAfrican-American woman to go
into space and to become anastronaut, and the way I heard
(14:58):
about her is through a book.
Interviewing authors andillustrators is like hearing
what made them wanting to sharethat book with the world.
One of my currently favoritebooks right now is the Wild
Robot.
It was turned into a movie, asyou might have seen, and it is a
really good book about how arobot went above and beyond her
(15:20):
own programming to try to takecare of her orphaned gosling.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:24):
I've read that story to my classroom and I
loved it.
There's like three books inthat series.
Right, Did they come up withmore?
Ishara (15:31):
No trilogy series and I got to meet the offer.
I haven't read it on my podcastyet, but I might.
I might read it on my podcastand I also got my book
autographed.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:43):
Have you gotten feedback about what your
listeners think about all of thethings that you're doing?
Ishara (15:48):
Hmm, I have to think about that.
My season two opener back thenthat was like the longest
episode and it was the bookabout the environment no world
Too Big and it was about howkids, kids, became environmental
ambassadors to try to protectthe environment.
(16:10):
And the second book, this onewas a little newer.
This one was in season threeand it was called you Are my
Friend, the story of FreddieRogers and his neighborhood, and
showed how kindness can help usdiscover how there are
neighbors all around us.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (16:29):
Do you have a favorite story that that you've
shared with your audience?
Ishara (16:33):
I really think it was actually Freddie Rogers, because
I really enjoyed reading thatbook, because it was about being
kind to others, and in theworld right now it needs a lot
of kindness to heal some things.
So I say that was my favorite.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (16:49):
How has your podcast evolved since you first
started it, and were there anymajor turning points or
surprises along the way?
Ishara (16:56):
One better audio because I actually have a microphone
now.
Two, I actually have startedinterviewing podcasters and also
being on other people'spodcasts too, Like yours, Like
now, yes.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (17:11):
Did you start off in video?
Ishara (17:13):
I started on Just On you , but in Season 2, for the first
episode, I actually starteddoing video and audio.
And Season 2 was also when Istarted interviewing authors and
illustrators.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (17:28):
What kind of feedback have you gotten from
parents and teachers?
Ishara (17:30):
Well, I've discovered that most of the people who
listen to my podcast haveenjoyed hearing my commentary.
The part at the end of allparts, the beginning, the middle
it was the end Part, when Italk about why I love this book
and why I picked this book, andone of the notes I got from a
(17:54):
lot of them is to start doingthat reading tip that I do when
I don't get to interview theauthor or the illustrator.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (18:02):
Why do you think they like that the best?
Ishara (18:04):
Because it helps kids learn how to read more.
That's why I did a reading tipand also they also enjoy hearing
what I talk about the book andshare what my personal stories
that help connect me to the book.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (18:20):
Do you think that they're?
They're helping.
Ishara (18:22):
I really hope down to the bottom of my heart that it
is helping.
But the one problem is not alot of kids have access to books
.
They can't just go to theirlocal library and pick up a
random book.
So that's why I really think mypodcast is helping, because
they get to hear a book and theymight be able to discover it
for themselves.
(18:42):
I got kids in Australialistening to my podcast, Japan,
some places that I haven't evenbeen to myself.
So that's why I really reallylove doing my podcast, because
it helps kids discover the joyof reading especially in today's
digital landscape.
(19:03):
Yes, like I said before, mypodcast is trying to help kids
who do not have access to thebooks we have access to.
Sometimes we never reallyunderstand how much we should be
thankful because we have accessto so much as kids.
It's so mind blowing.
So that's why I think mypodcast is helping.
(19:25):
Also, I'm sorry if I randomlydo that.
I'm a little stuffy.
I'm recovering from a cold.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (19:31):
We definitely understand what is next for your
reading podcast.
Are there any sort of excitingprojects or plans in the works?
Where are you going next?
Ishara (19:38):
The book festival in September.
Very excited because I reallywant to do it.
It's like the heaven for booklovers.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (19:46):
excited because I really want to do it.
It's like the heaven for booklovers.
What kind of things are yougoing to do this season?
Ishara (20:00):
Well, I'm doing the reading tip.
I'm also doing something calledlive reads, where I ask some of
my friends, and sometimes evenjust random kids, to read a
section of the book with me onmy podcast.
So it's not just authors andillustrators this season it's
going to be also kids.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:12):
I love that.
Yes, that's wonderful.
Is that going to be like onInstagram, on Facebook?
Is there a day that you'redoing it or is it still in the
works?
Ishara (20:21):
It's going to be on YouTube and I haven't done the
first episode with it yet, butI'm hoping, really hoping
strongly, that it's going to besoon.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:31):
How would listeners be able to find out
about that?
Would you announce that onInstagram when it's going to
happen?
Ishara (20:36):
Yes, and it's also going to be on my YouTube channel, so
you're going to be able towatch what happens too.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:42):
I'm so excited about that.
So, as we wrap up, what kind ofadvice can you give to adults
who want to encourage kids toexplore their passions, whether
it's reading or podcasting,skating, dreaming of going to
space or even helping save theplanet?
Ishara (20:57):
Say yes more, because just saying yes makes a kid
think they can do it, and justmaking them think they can do it
makes them want to do it evenmore.
So saying yes more doesn'tlimit what they're thinking.
It just makes them want toreach for the stars as high as
they can Sometimes not literally, and sometimes literally.
(21:19):
So say yes more so the kid'sinspirations could go beyond the
world sometimes.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (21:26):
I love that.
That is great advice.
Ishara (21:27):
And also actually sometimes they do want to go to
other planets.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (21:32):
Like you, to Mars.
Ishara (21:33):
I want to lead the mission to Mars because I really
, just, really really want to bean astronaut.
I want to see what other worldsare like, because it's just you
get to be in space, no gravity,so you get to jump as high as
you can too.
You get to explore not justyour planet, you get to explore
(21:56):
the whole solar system, theuniverse, galaxies, nebula.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (22:00):
Look at your passion comes through.
You have so many big dreams andI just I'm so excited that you
were able to share them with ustoday, and your passion for
books and storytelling and theenvironment.
Honestly, it's truly inspiring.
So, and it's not just for kids,but for all of us.
So it has been such a pleasureto have you on the show today
(22:21):
and, I have to say, getting towatch you perform on the ice was
a true treat.
Whether you're behind the mic,on the ice or even looking
towards the stars, you areproving that young voices and
big dreams can take us anywhere.
Ishara (22:35):
Thank you so much for inviting me.
I really enjoyed being here.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (22:39):
Well, if today's conversation inspired
you, be sure to check outAshara's reading podcast and
explore how books can sparkimagination, action and change.
And if you're a parent oreducator, consider storytelling
as a way to connect reading withreal world learning.
Whether through podcasts, audiobooks or even writing their own
stories, you can give kids avoice and a powerful way to help
(23:01):
them grow by just saying yes,yes, if you have a story about
what's working in your schoolsthat you'd like to share, you
can email me at lisa atdrlisahasslercom, or visit my
website at wwwdrlisahasslercomand send me a message.
If you like this podcast,subscribe and tell a friend.
(23:22):
The more people that know, thebigger impact it will have.
And if you find value to thecontent in this podcast,
consider becoming a supporter byclicking on the supporter link
in the show notes.
It is the mission of thispodcast to shine light on the
good in education so that itspreads, affecting positive
change.
So let's keep working togetherto find solutions that focus on
(23:42):
our children's success.
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