Gavin Lodge -- Broadway actor, small business entrepreneur, TikTok influencer, and Executive Director of the American Alliance of Artists and Audiences -- dishes on the importance of the arts, activism, and education. He also shares some of his favorite diverse LGBTQ friendly picture books that speak to the power of identity and family love.

Gavin and I go way back (we were practically kids) when we performed together in TriArts Sharon Playhouse's production of The Music Man. He was the dynamic Harold Hill and I picked a little and talked a lot. Backstage, we became friends in the kind of friendship that endures. Over the years, we've talked politics, literature, raising kids. And it's been so much fun to be a part of his journey from the Broadway stage to launching his own business, to become a social media influencer, and now, most recently the Executive Director of 4A, the American Alliance of Artists and Audiences. In the conversation that follows, we explore the importance of the arts as part of STEAM education and as an important aspect of American society. We also delve deeply into picture books that help foster positive images of LGBTQ families and children. And there's a lot of laughter as well. 

[01:37] What is 4A Arts, the American Alliance of Artists and Audiences?

[05:36] Connecting the A in STEAM (That's Arts) 

[07:32] Adventures in Learning: Gavin's Journey from Broadway to 4A Arts Executive Director

[11:02] Gavin has established a successful social media presence on  TikTokand has created an entertaining and thought provokingparenting blog, which I highly recommend. In addition, he launched the ECKnox brand. He's been sharing very openly his adventures as a dad since Ellison was born. I asked him to share a little more about the business and the other side of his artistic life.

[17:18] Force Feeding Culture? Or Strategies for Promoting Playful Learning

[20:07] Diverse LGBTQ-Friendly Picture Books That Speak to the Power of Identity and Family Love. Seriously check this section out. There is a lot of power and goodness embedded here.

[32:40] Advice for Our Kids: Applying Our Adventures In Learning

For pictures, book recommendations, and more, check out the full show notes.

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