Kids are talking. We're just not listening.
Jo gets kids talking out loud, and then gives adults the tools to hear them.
Every kid in the room has something important to say. The problem isn't the kids. It's that we haven't learned how to listen to them. JoOutLoud exists to change that, by getting into the room with kids, asking questions, and bringing what we learn back to the parents, teachers, and communities who need it most.
About Jo Phillips
I'm JoOutLoud online.
I work with kids, teens, emerging adults and the adults who support them — educators, coaches, parents, administrators, community leaders, and organizations — when things feel complex, fragile, or hard to navigate.
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My work is about helping people slow down, listen to what kids are actually saying, and respond with clarity, connection and accountability.
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Sometimes that means working directly with a kid. Sometimes it means helping the adults around them understand what they’re seeing and how to respond.
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This work isn’t about fixing kids. It’s about helping kids build the skills and confidence to navigate their world, and helping the adults around them lead differently when it matters.
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Over the past decade, more than 170,000 young people and 10,000 parents across Alberta have participated in JoOutLoud programs and conversations.
Kids say it out loud.
I help the right adults listen.
A. C. - Educator
Jo was an excellent choice as our school speaker. Students connected with her immediately, appreciating her sense of humour and her genuine understanding of their enthusiasm for social media and gaming. Jo helped parents better understand the complex relationship between young people and technology in a way that empowered and supported their parenting, rather than creating fear.
A. M. - Participant
Jo has this rare ability to hold a room from start to finish: she's warm, engaging and clear without leaning on performative theatrics. It feels like a real conversation, guided by someone who genuinely knows what they're talking about. If you're looking for a speaker who's intelligent, human, and genuinely helpful, Jo is an easy yes.
L.D. - Parent
I have felt fear and panic knowing what's coming and how to handle it. My instinct is to run and hide from it - but I love Jo's notion of parenting through it and skill building alongside them. Jo's presentation was one of the most informative I've ever attended.