In this compelling episode, we welcome Natalya Murakhver, documentary filmmaker, writer, and co-founder of Restore Childhood, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children's education, health, and parental rights.
Natalya shares the remarkable story behind her documentary 15 DAYS: The Real Story of America's Pandemic School Closures, a powerful investigation into one of the most significant educational disruptions in modern history.
When schools across America closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Natalya became one of the founders of #KeepNYCSchoolsOpen, advocating for children's wellbeing and eventually helping bring legal action to challenge prolonged school closures. That journey inspired a documentary that asks not only what happened, but what did it cost our children?
In this conversation, we explore:
- The long-term impact of pandemic school closures on children and families
- Why education is about far more than academics
- Children's mental health, development, and social wellbeing
- The importance of preserving childhood during times of crisis
- Why documenting history matters for future generations
- How parents and communities can advocate for children
Inspired by Steven Spielberg's Shoah project, Natalya believes that documenting institutional decisions is more than filmmaking—it's a responsibility to future generations.
Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health professional, or simply someone interested in the future of childhood and education, this episode offers an important opportunity to reflect on one of the defining events of our time.
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.
TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST
We hope you enjoy this episode.
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