How do we raise children in an age of rapid technological change, political polarization, and global uncertainty? Drawing from their new books and their experience as parents, Reza Aslan and Jessica Jackley will explore how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with kids about complex and challenging topics, while psychologist Darby Saxbe shares groundbreaking research on the science of fatherhood. Together, these dynamic speakers will offer fresh insight into what it means to be a parent today. 

Panelists:

• Darby Saxbe, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and tenured professor of psychology at the University of Southern California. Her first book, Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How it Shapes Men’s Lives, will be released in June 2026 by Flatiron Books/Macmillan. Her research focuses on the transition to parenthood, particularly the neural and hormonal underpinnings of fatherhood. She integrates neuroscience and psychology to explore how close connections shape health and wellbeing. She has published over eighty scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and secured major research grants from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.
• Jessica Jackley is an investor, entrepreneur, and educator. She is currently Professor of the Practice of Entrepreneurship at USC’s Marshall School of Business and CEO of Vow for Girls, a nonprofit championing girls’ rights worldwide. She is best known as a founder of nonprofit unicorn Kiva. She is also a founder of Alltruists, Profounder, and GP/cofounder at Untapped Capital. She served the first Venture Partner at the Collaborative Fund and Walt Disney Imagineering’s inaugural EIR. Jessica is the author of Clay Water Brick and A Kids Book About Giving. She holds an MBA from Stanford, a certificate from Harvard Kennedy School, a BA from Bucknell. She lives in LA with her husband Reza Aslan and four children.
• Reza Aslan is a renowned writer, commentator, professor, Emmy- and Peabody-nominated producer, and scholar of religions. A recipient of the prestigious James Joyce award, Aslan is the author of numerous internationally best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. His biography of Howard Baskerville, An American Martyr in Persia, was nominated for the PEN/Jacqueline Beograd Weld Award. His producing credits include the acclaimed HBO series The Leftovers and the hit CBS comedy United States of AL. He is the host and Executive Producer of CNN’s Believer and Rough Draft with Reza Aslan, as well as co-host along with Rainn Wilson of the podcast Metaphysical Milkshake. His most recent book is titled A Kids Book About Israel & Palestine.
• Varun Soni (moderator) is the dean of religious and spiritual life at the University of Southern California, where he also teaches courses in the School of Religion, the Marshall School of Business, and the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

This panel is part of the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC.