Licensed psychologist, author, and educator based in Washington, DC, Dr. Samantha Sweeney joins us to share her work and discuss anxiety in children and some of the potential causes behind its rise. Dr. Sweeney has a private practice on Capitol Hill, where she supports children, families, and adults. She holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland and a psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her background includes work in both public and private schools, with experience as a preschool teacher, school psychologist, researcher, and university instructor. An expert in cultural competence, she is passionate about helping families raise confident, inclusive children. Dr. Sweeney is the author of Working With Worry: A Workbook for Parents on How to Support Anxious Children, and her upcoming book, Culturally Competent Kids, is designed to help families thrive in a diverse world. In therapy, she focuses on empowerment, connection, and honoring the whole person behind the challenges they face.

Dr. Srini Pillay is a harvard-trained psychiatrist, brain researcher,executive coach and the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Reulay, a digital therapeutics company that uses AI and neuroscience to enhance well-being and prevent chronic illness. Dr. Pillay joins us to discuss his book, Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind. In his work, he explores how strategic "unfocusing" can boost creativity, productivity, and mental well-being—essential skills in today’s age of burnout, disengagement, and AI-driven disruption. A former Harvard Medical School faculty member and top medical graduate, Dr. Pillay brings over 17 years of brain imaging research experience. He is also the CEO of NeuroBusiness Group®, a global leadership development firm, and a pioneer in transformational neurocoaching®. An international speaker and author of three books, Dr. Pillay has advised Fortune 500 companies, the UN, and The World Bank, and is a TEDx speaker on "The Science of Possibility."

This is a compelling conversation on the impact of children’s literature on identity formation.

Dr. Ar brings a unique global and cultural lens to the study of literature, having earned her Ph.D. from Ege University in 2025 after completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in American Culture and Literature and a minor in Sociology from Hacettepe University. With a deep commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching, Dr. Ar explores how stories shape self-perception, racial identity, and belonging—especially among young readers.

Her work has been recognized for examining how African American children’s literature contributes to the construction and affirmation of identity, challenging dominant narratives and offering empowering representations.