Common Sense Media Review
By Lakshmi Hutchinson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Talk show for tween and teen girls; promotes book series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
What's It About?
Each episode of AMERICAN GIRL: THE SMART GIRL'S PODCAST is based on one of the American Girl Smart Girl's Guide books. The podcast covers relatable topics like crushes, friendships, social media, mental health and starting middle school. Shay Rudolph and Jess Weiner discuss the subject from both the adult and tween and teen perspective. They refer to the books and share advice based on their own experiences. They're also joined by guests and experts, some who may be well-known by the target audience, including actresses Chandler Kinney and Paulina Chávez. Some experts featured are a licensed social worker for an episode on mental health and a pediatrician who talks about puberty. The hosts also take the time to respond to listener questions that've been sent in, like how to talk to a parent or caregiver when you think you might benefit from therapy.
Is It Any Good?
This is an upbeat podcast offering advice that can be helpful to tween and teen girls. American Girl: The Smart Girl's Podcast addresses subjects that the target audience will definitely have questions about, like the transition to middle school or developing a crush for the first time. The show's guests are sure to be a draw as well. There are many positive messages and tidbits contained in the episodes, like how it's okay to not have a crush, or how you can show small random acts of kindness when starting a new school.
In the episode "Drama, Rumors, and Secrets," the hosts say that girls like drama and love to gossip, which pushes an outdated stereotype. Some listeners may be put off by these generalizations, and not all girls will relate to the depiction of girlhood in this podcast. Another issue is that the podcast sometimes feels like an infomercial for the American Girl Smart Girl's Guide books. While it's understandable that the books will be mentioned, they're praised so often that it can distract a little from the conversations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how American Girl: The Smart Girl's Podcast talks about social media's impact on young girls. Do you think social media is negatively affecting girls' body image and self-esteem? What can we do to counteract this? What's some content you've seen that feels relatable and real to you?
What other podcasts or TV shows address the concerns of tweens or younger teens? Do you find the advice realistic or relatable? What makes content like this feel relatable to you?
Sometimes even when people mean well they can end up relying on stereotypes, like "girls love to gossip." How do those stereotypes make you feel? Do you see yourself represented accurately in the media? How can this representation be better?
Communication and empathy are major themes in this podcast. Why are these important character strengths? How can these character strengths help you feel connected to your peers and not in competition or in comparison with them?
The show emphasizes having a trusted adult to talk to about some of the topics covered. Do you have trusted adults in your life? Who do you feel most safe and comfortable talking to?
Podcast Details
- Release date : August 17, 2022
- Genre : Kids & Family
- Run time : 35 minutes
- Hosts : Shay Rudolph , Jess Weiner
- Production Companies and Networks : American Girl , Talk to Jess , Cloud10
- Pricing structure : Free
- Topics : School ( High School , Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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