The Wake Up With Dee Morning Show welcomed an inspiring guest during today's WUWD Podcast Spotlight as host Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler sat down with Toni Kennedy, creator of the award-winning children's podcast What's Poppin' Penny?.
Kennedy shared the story behind her highly successful podcast, which has become a favorite among children, parents, and educators alike. With more than 169,000 downloads, What's Poppin' Penny? combines engaging storytelling with social-emotional learning (SEL), helping young listeners develop important life skills while enjoying entertaining adventures.
Named "Best Kids & Family Podcast for Ages 3+" by Common Sense Media in 2023, the podcast has also earned national recognition as a two-time 2025 Communicator Award winner. Its impact extends beyond entertainment, with an SEL-focused curriculum that is being utilized in classrooms to support children's emotional growth and development.
A grandmother and former preschool teacher, Kennedy brings decades of experience working with children to every episode. During her conversation with Dr. Dee, she discussed the importance of creating stories that help children build confidence, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. Her mission is to provide families with meaningful content that sparks imagination while encouraging important conversations between children and the adults who care for them.
The conversation also highlighted Kennedy's upcoming children's book, Bear Hugs, which continues her commitment to authentic representation and empowering young readers. The book is the first in a series of standalone stories set in Penny's world and expands the beloved universe that listeners have come to know through the podcast.
Kennedy is also passionate about accessibility and inclusion. Through the What's Poppin' Penny? YouTube channel, she brings the Brownstone Buddies stories to life in American Sign Language (ASL), helping ensure that more children can engage with the content. In addition, her acclaimed #BLACKHISTORY365 series introduces young audiences to influential Black figures and stories throughout the year.
During the interview, Kennedy emphasized the power of storytelling as a tool for education, representation, and connection. Her work demonstrates how media created specifically for children can both entertain and inspire while helping shape the next generation of compassionate, confident leaders.
Learn More About Toni Kennedy and What's Poppin' Penny?
For more information about Toni Kennedy and her award-winning podcast, visit:
🌐 https://whatspoppinpenny.com/
Follow Toni on social media:
📸 Instagram: @heywhatspoppinpenny
🎵 TikTok: @heywhatspoppinpenny
Listen to the Full Interview
Be sure to check out the complete WUWD Podcast Spotlight interview with Toni Kennedy to hear more about the inspiration behind What's Poppin' Penny?, the importance of social-emotional learning, and her vision for empowering children through storytelling.
Tune In to the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show
Catch The Wake Up With Dee Morning Show with Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler Monday through Friday from 7A–10A on News & Talk WAOK. Listen live on WAOK.com or stream on the AUDACY app for engaging conversations, community news, inspiring guests, and the stories that matter most.
Award-winning children's podcast creator Toni Kennedy joins Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler to discuss What's Poppin' Penny?, social-emotional learning, and her mission to empower children through storytelling, representation, and inclusion.
Award-winning children's podcast creator Toni Kennedy joins Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler to discuss What's Poppin' Penny?, social-emotional learning, and her mission to empower children through storytelling, representation, and inclusion.
