Out In The Hall
Keri Newman Allred and Tim Oppenheim talk about all things Head Start. Keri pulls stories from her daily role as an executive director of a rural program and Tim stumbles though his work in Head Start and at NHSA. The conversation is intended to be quick and lively.
Episodes
Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
41 min
Some of the fundamental issues with Head Start or any pre-k program are the policies that govern and fund it. Keri and Tim discuss this with author and policy expert Dan Wuori. We dive in to what he is thinking and what may be ahead.
Jan 11, 2026
Jan 11, 2026
38 min
Welcome to 2026! Keri and Tim kick off the new year talking to Cara Tyrrell, an early childhood linguist and trainer that is concentrating on how what we say impacts the child in front of us. This is an eye opening conversation. We can't wait for her book this spring.
Dec 21, 2025
Dec 21, 2025
45 min
This week, Keri and Tim are chatting with Isabelle Hau, a true pioneer in early childhood education. Besides her exciting new book, Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education, Isabelle is also the head of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. This discussion about her fascinating work with kids and technology sparks some new insights.
Dec 14, 2025
Dec 14, 2025
33 min
BOOM!!!! Join Keri and Tim where we talk to Dr. El Brown. Dr. El just gave the keynote speech at NHSA’s Parent and Family Engagement Conference and literally blew the socks off everyone. Then she did the same thing in the podcast with us. Please listen to this extraordinary light for Head Start. Discover the BOOM!!!!
Dec 8, 2025
Dec 8, 2025
37 min
Keri and Tim meet with Zuly Vasquez, who leads NHSA's CDA efforts. Learn about how she handles this very important aspect of Head Start certification and a bit about her. You will love her too!
Dec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025
39 min
Chuck is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, a Marine Corp helicopter pilot who has flown two presidents, a hugely successful businessman and Head Start Alumni. Hear his story and his message to all Head Start staff in they weeks Out in the Hall Podcast
Nov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025
23 min
Keri and Tim talk about the vibe in Head Start right now. We explore Keri's theory that various demands and pressures of Early Childhood Education make us smarter. Lastly, Keri issues a challenge to all Head Starters right in time for the Holidays!
Nov 18, 2025
Nov 18, 2025
43 min
Stuart Jones, the founder of Acorn Learning, a company closely tied with success in Head Start, discusses in this week’s episode how we can all take pride in our work and overcome obstacles. It's not that we don't know; it's that we don't know yet! A great listen.
Note: I am still struggling to get a good sound, so apologies to everyone - Tim
Nov 11, 2025
Nov 11, 2025
50 min
This week, Keri and Tim talk to long-time Head Start hero Larry Campbell. Larry has a long and broad history in program operations and now coaches other program leaders. Larry is also one of the kindest persons to talk to and reminds us how Head Start attracts the very best people.
Nov 3, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
1 hr 13 min
Pre-k is all about the little ones, but guess what? The biggest part of that is the parents! We all know that Head Start’s family services are our secret weapon. This week, we’re chatting with Sharon Lyons and Joyce Morman from Tennessee and Georgia about how they’ve been bringing the whole family into the fold for years.



