Modern Wisdom

When Two Kid Presidential Experts Finally Meet

Guest: ReedMarch 22, 2026

childhood experts us presidents jimmy carter loretta lynn childhood cancer lymphoma resilience motivation philanthropy kindness

When Two Kid Presidential Experts Finally Meet

Episode Summary

AI-generated · Apr 2026

AI-generated summary — may contain inaccuracies. Not a substitute for the full episode or professional advice.

This episode of Modern Wisdom features the inspiring story of Reed, a self-proclaimed 81-year-old "old soul" and a fervent expert on U.S. presidents. Reed, known for his distinguished suit and passion for history, shares his admiration for Jimmy Carter, whom he loves because Carter is "a peanut farmer and I love peanut butter. He's a… Sunday school teacher. He works for Habitat for Humanity and he's really kind to everyone" [01:40]. He recounts the best day of his life: meeting President Carter on September 29th, 2019 [02:03]. The episode highlights Reed's deep fandom for fellow presidential expert Macy, whom he discovered on the Ellen show and whose hometown he later visited, even talking to her on the phone [02:20].

The segment culminates in a heartwarming surprise as Macy herself emerges onto the stage to meet Reed in person, much to his shock and delight [03:30]. Macy, expressing her inspiration from Reed, especially his journey as a cancer survivor, brings him a thoughtful collection of gifts from her own presidential museum, including an Eisenhower bobblehead, a Jimmy Carter campaign button, a Zachary Taylor Christmas ornament, and several presidential history books [05:08]. Both children are celebrated by the host, Jojo Siwa, for their kindness and intelligence, noting, "You guys are not only child geniuses, but you're also two really nice kids" [05:54].

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Reed's powerful personal story as a two-time cancer survivor. He candidly shares his diagnosis with lymphoma in July 2016, his unique approach to hair loss with a lint roller, and his miraculous healing after a second, more severe diagnosis where he was given 6 to 9 months of treatment. Reed credits his faith, stating, "We went back to Cincinnati cancer free and I'm glad the Lord healed me" [06:50].

To honor Reed's incredible resilience and support others facing similar battles, Jojo Siwa announces the launch of her own Childhood Cancer Foundation. As a first act of giving, she presents Reed with a check for $10,000 to assist with his funds and "help you be happy" [07:11]. Listeners walk away with a profound sense of inspiration from the wisdom, kindness, and unwavering spirit of these young experts, along with a powerful testament to faith and the impact of community support in overcoming life's greatest challenges.

👤 Who Should Listen

Fans of U.S. presidential history and politics, especially those interested in unique perspectives.
Parents and educators looking for inspiring stories about passionate and kind children.
Anyone interested in stories of resilience and overcoming significant life challenges, such as childhood illness.
Individuals seeking heartwarming and uplifting content.
People affected by or supporting childhood cancer causes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1.Reed, a self-proclaimed 81-year-old presidential expert, passionately admires Jimmy Carter for his kindness, work with Habitat for Humanity, and even his background as a peanut farmer.
2.Reed's dedication to presidential history led him to become a fan of Macy, another young expert, whom he surprised by visiting her hometown before they met in person.
3.Macy thoughtfully gifted Reed a collection of presidential memorabilia, including a Jimmy Carter campaign button and books, acknowledging his interests and favorite president.
4.Reed is a two-time cancer survivor, having faced lymphoma in 2016, and shared a unique story of using a lint roller to manage hair loss during treatment.
5.After a second, more severe cancer diagnosis, Reed attributes his healing to faith and prayer, returning cancer-free after seeking baptism.
6.Host Jojo Siwa launched her Childhood Cancer Foundation and provided Reed with a $10,000 check to support him and his family.
7.Both Reed and Macy exemplify kindness and brilliance, demonstrating that passion for learning and empathy can coexist at a young age.

💡 Key Concepts Explained

Old Soul

This concept describes an individual, often young, who exhibits maturity, wisdom, and interests typically associated with older people. Reed identifies as an '81-year-old' old soul, manifesting this through his passion for history, his calm demeanor, and his celebrity crush on Loretta Lynn, which the episode presents as a charming and unique aspect of his personality.

Childhood Cancer Survivorship

This refers to the experience and journey of children who have overcome cancer. The episode highlights Reed's personal triumph over lymphoma twice, showcasing his resilience, unique coping mechanisms, and the profound impact of faith and community support in his healing process, underscoring the importance of hope and determination in such challenging circumstances.

⚡ Actionable Takeaways

→Cultivate and express genuine enthusiasm for your interests, as Reed does for U.S. presidents, sharing your passions with others.
→Seek out and connect with others who share your specific passions, potentially leading to inspiring friendships and unexpected opportunities.
→Practice thoughtful giving by considering the recipient's specific interests and preferences, as Macy did with her personalized presidential gifts for Reed.
→Maintain a positive and resourceful mindset when facing adversity, as demonstrated by Reed's unique approach to hair loss with a lint roller.
→Consider supporting organizations focused on childhood cancer, like Jojo Siwa's newly launched foundation, to help families and children affected by the disease.

⏱ Timeline Breakdown

00:00Reed introduces himself, his special suit, and his claim of being 81 years old.

01:01Reed describes his '81st' birthday party, themed around his celebrity crush, Loretta Lynn.

01:40Reed names Jimmy Carter as his favorite president, citing his kindness, work, and peanut farming.

02:03Reed recalls meeting Jimmy Carter on September 29th, 2019, describing it as the best day of his life.

02:20Reed shares how he became a big fan of Macy after seeing her discuss presidents on the Ellen show.

02:40Reed recounts visiting Macy's hometown and school, and eventually talking to her on the phone.

03:30Macy surprises Reed by coming out on stage to meet him in person.

04:07Macy expresses her admiration for Reed, particularly his story as a cancer survivor, calling him an inspiration.

05:08Macy presents Reed with a gift box of presidential memorabilia from her museum, including a Jimmy Carter button.

06:10Reed shares his experience of being a two-time cancer survivor, diagnosed with lymphoma in 2016.

06:30Reed describes using a lint roller to remove his hair during chemotherapy.

06:50Reed recounts his second cancer diagnosis, receiving a miraculous healing after being anointed by preachers.

07:11Jojo Siwa announces her Childhood Cancer Foundation and gifts Reed a $10,000 check.

Best of this topic

Best childhood experts episodes →Best us presidents episodes →Best jimmy carter episodes →Best loretta lynn episodes →Best childhood cancer episodes →

💬 Notable Quotes

“"My favorite is Jimmy Carter because he's a peanut farmer and I love peanut butter. He's a He was a Sunday school teacher. He w he works for Habitat for Humanity and he's really kind to everyone."”
— Reed

“"I believe in life you have to make the most of situations."”
— Reed

“"I think it's awesome that you're trying to learn about the presidents and all and coming out here and inspiring other, you know, younger kids to go out and learn about that stuff cuz that stuff is awesome."”
— Reed