Culture Kids

🏯🗡️ In this episode we’re hopping on the Culture Train and traveling to Japan to meet Sensei Zen Takai, the last heir of a 16-generation Zen Samurai lineage. Get ready to learn about the ancient samurai traditions that focus on peace, balance, and emotional control—lessons that are more relevant today than ever. Sensei Zen shares how samurai teachings are less about fighting and more about keeping the peace. He introduces us to the powerful meditation practices that samurai use to center themselves, focusing on deep breathing and moving meditation. Together, we’ll try out these calming techniques and learn how they can help us control our emotions and find inner peace. We also dive into the meanings of two important Japanese characters—Iki (breathing) and Ki (energy)—and how they’re connected to finding peace and balance. Plus, you’ll get to practice a simple but effective breathing exercise that you can use whenever you need to calm your mind. Tune in and discover how the ancient wisdom of the samurai can help us all find peace, focus, and balance in our busy lives. Important Disclaimer: Please remember that the breathing and meditation techniques shared in this episode are intended for peaceful moments of relaxation. If you're operating heavy machinery or engaged in any activity that requires full attention (such as driving, operating equipment, or other high-risk tasks), do not practice the meditation exercises while doing so. Always prioritize your safety! Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org Comments, birthday shoutouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Support: Grants@culturekidsmedia.com

Get ready to pack your virtual bags and hop on the magical Culture Train as we head to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu! Today, we are excited to meet Ms. Kaila, the Education Coordinator at Waimea Valley, to explore this lush, sacred valley filled with rich Hawaiian history, vibrant plants, and breathtaking landscapes. 🌊🌴 We’ll discover what makes Hawaii’s ecosystem so unique, learn about the history of Waimea Valley, and hear why Hawaiians introduce themselves with the mountains, rivers, and oceans connected to their heritage. Ms. Kaila even shares some fascinating stories about “alae,” a special, iron-rich red water used in traditional Hawaiian medicine. Along the way, we learn about the beautiful lolu palm trees, which play a big role in Hawaiian culture, and the challenges they face from invasive species. Plus, we uncover tips on how all of us—no matter where we are—can be mindful travelers and help protect our planet. 🌏 ********************************* 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org Comments, birthday shoutouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Support: Grants@culturekidsmedia.com

Join us on a frosty adventure around the world to explore the history and cultural flavors of shaved ice! 🍧  From the ancient roots of this icy treat in the Tang Dynasty of China to the colorful kakigori of Japan, the flavor-packed bingsu of Korea, and the unique shaved ice traditions of Hawaii, Malaysia, and Mexico—this episode takes listeners on a delicious, chilly journey. Along the way, we learn about the different ingredients and traditions that make each version special, with guests sharing their own stories and favorite toppings. Perfect for curious little travelers and families ready to discover how one refreshing treat brings joy to cultures across the globe. 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org Comments, birthday shoutouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Support: Grants@culturekidsmedia.com *********************************** CHECK OUT THESE SHAVED ICE RECIPES! Halo Halo (Philippines) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PjVjNTLOhQ Ais Kacang (Malaysia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws3ozcnUSU4 Pat bingsu (Korean): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ZWg9-Y_tI Raspados (Mexico): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFGazYasMvQ&list=PLU1KxUVqGmaP2rTi1HH2iEuQlJvQNiNIn How to make shaved ice without a machine! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMudtHk4_Kk

Grab your snorkels, hop on the Culture Train, and dive deep into the fascinating world of sharks with us! In this episode, we’re exploring some of the world’s most iconic places to meet sharks of all shapes and sizes—from the gentle giants of the Galápagos Islands to the mighty great whites of South Africa, and the vibrant reef sharks of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef! 🐋 Whale Sharks in the Galápagos – Swim alongside these massive yet gentle creatures and learn why their unique polka-dot patterns are like ocean fingerprints! 🦈 Great White Sharks in South Africa – Get a close-up look at these powerful predators and learn what makes them the ocean’s top hunters. 🏝 Reef Sharks in Australia – Discover the beauty of Australia’s coral reefs and the amazing sharks that call it home! Plus, we’re sharing some fun shark facts, playing a game of True or False, and talking about cool ways kids like you can safely explore the underwater world. Join us for an epic shark adventure you won’t forget! ********************************* 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org Comments, birthday shoutouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Support: Grants@culturekidsmedia.com

All aboard the Culture Train! 💀🎉 In this vibrant episode, we’re off to Mexico to explore Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a beautiful and colorful celebration that honors loved ones who have passed. Join us and our special guest Ms. Gina from La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles as we dive into the rich history and traditions of this special holiday. 🕯️ Travel back in time to ancient Mesoamerica to learn how the Aztecs, Mixtecs, and other Indigenous peoples first began celebrating Día de los Muertos over 3,000 years ago. Discover the meaning behind the beautifully crafted altars (ofrendas), the significance of marigold flowers, and how the four elements of nature are represented in every part of the celebration. Plus, find out what delicious foods are shared during this holiday, from sweet pan de muerto to spicy Mexican hot chocolate. 🕯️ With stories, traditions, and heartfelt moments, this episode will take you on an unforgettable journey that teaches us all about love, remembrance, and the importance of family. Listen in and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Mexican culture right from your home! 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org La Plaza de Cultura y Artes https://lapca.org/ Instagram: @laplazala ********************************** Vote for us for a chance to win the Community Voice Anthem Awards! https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/diversity-equity-inclusion/awareness-categories/non-profit ********************************** Join Us in Expanding Cultural Education for the Next Generation! Culture Kids Productions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating educational, culturally enriching content for children. We are currently seeking partnerships and sponsorships to help expand our mission and develop more impactful episodes in the coming year. By partnering with us, you will be supporting our efforts to foster cultural education, social-emotional learning, and inclusivity for young audiences around the world. Your support will enable us to produce more engaging, high-quality content that inspires children and their families to embrace diverse cultures, traditions, and values. If you are interested in partnering with us to make a lasting difference, we would love to discuss how we can collaborate to further our shared goals. Please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com for more information on how you can support our mission. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. Kristen and Asher

🎃👻 WE'RE BACK, and it's time to get spooky! Hop aboard the Culture Train as we travel to Derry, Ireland 🇮🇪—the Halloween Capital of the World! In this spooktacular episode, we take listeners on a magical journey through Derry's ancient city walls and share the rich traditions of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that inspired Halloween. Join special guest Aeidin McCarter, who shares all about Derry's epic Halloween celebrations, from haunted projections to spooky parades, family-friendly fun, and traditional Irish treats like chocolate apples and Barnbrack bread! Perfect for little ghouls and goblins who love Halloween and want to explore its roots. Pack your imaginary passports and get ready for an adventure full of history, spooky stories, and fun facts about Halloween's Irish origins! 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org ********************************** Derry, Halloween https://derryhalloween.com/ ********************************** Join Us in Expanding Cultural Education for the Next Generation! Culture Kids Productions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating educational, culturally enriching content for children. We are currently seeking partnerships and sponsorships to help expand our mission and develop more impactful episodes in the coming year. By partnering with us, you will be supporting our efforts to foster cultural education, social-emotional learning, and inclusivity for young audiences around the world. Your support will enable us to produce more engaging, high-quality content that inspires children and their families to embrace diverse cultures, traditions, and values. If you are interested in partnering with us to make a lasting difference, we would love to discuss how we can collaborate to further our shared goals. Please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com for more information on how you can support our mission. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. Kristen and Asher

🍁Grab your blankets and get ready to cozy up for this autumn adventure!🍁 On this special fall revamped episode from last year, we explore the world of pumpkin spice! From its warm, spicy flavors to its cultural history and global popularity, get ready to dive into the origins of this beloved autumn treat. Along the way, they uncover fun facts, like why pumpkin spice doesn’t always contain pumpkin, and why it brings happy feelings. Plus, we share how fall celebrations around the world make this time of year so cozy and special! Tune in for laughter, learning, and all things pumpkin spice! 🍁 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org ********************************** Join Us in Expanding Cultural Education for the Next Generation! Culture Kids Productions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating educational, culturally enriching content for children. We are currently seeking partnerships and sponsorships to help expand our mission and develop more impactful episodes in the coming year. By partnering with us, you will be supporting our efforts to foster cultural education, social-emotional learning, and inclusivity for young audiences around the world. Your support will enable us to produce more engaging, high-quality content that inspires children and their families to embrace diverse cultures, traditions, and values. If you are interested in partnering with us to make a lasting difference, we would love to discuss how we can collaborate to further our shared goals. Please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com for more information on how you can support our mission. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. Kristen and Asher

In this fun-filled episode, we take listeners on a global adventure to discover unique etiquette practices from around the world! 🎉 From sunny Puerto Rico’s friendly greetings 🌞🏝️ to Indonesian superstitions about whistling at night 🌙, and the beautiful flower offerings of Bali, we uncover fascinating traditions! We also explore how people in India eat with their hands , showing how each culture has its own special way of showing respect. Throughout the episode, the message is clear: learning about different etiquettes makes our world more connected and fun! 🌟 Kids are encouraged to ask friends about their family traditions and appreciate the colorful diversity of our world. 🌟 Share Your Winter Family Traditions with Us! ❄️✨ Do you and your family have a unique way of celebrating the winter season? 🎄☃️ Whether it's a special holiday tradition or a cozy winter activity, we want to hear all about it! 🎉 📲 Record your family’s fun winter tradition (iPhone audio works perfectly!) and send it to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com, OR leave us a voicemail at www.culturekidsproductions.org! 🎙️ Don’t miss out—your story might be featured on Culture Kids! Let’s celebrate the season together! 🎧 ********************************** Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Website: www.culturekidsproductions.org ********************************** Join Us in Expanding Cultural Education for the Next Generation! Culture Kids Productions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating educational, culturally enriching content for children. We are currently seeking partnerships and sponsorships to help expand our mission and develop more impactful episodes in the coming year. By partnering with us, you will be supporting our efforts to foster cultural education, social-emotional learning, and inclusivity for young audiences around the world. Your support will enable us to produce more engaging, high-quality content that inspires children and their families to embrace diverse cultures, traditions, and values. If you are interested in partnering with us to make a lasting difference, we would love to discuss how we can collaborate to further our shared goals. Please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com for more information on how you can support our mission. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the next generation. Kristen and Asher

While we're on a brief break, we’re bringing back one of our most loved episodes — Birthday Celebrations Around the World! 🎂🎈 In this revamped episode, join us as we hop on the Culture Train to explore how different cultures celebrate birthdays. From Sweden’s early-morning birthday song and breakfast in bed, to China’s long-life noodles, and even Australia’s magical fairy bread, this episode is packed with fun facts and unique traditions! 🌏 We’ll also hear from our friends around the world who share their personal family traditions, like David from Sweden, Jenny Liao from China, and Senayda from Mexico. 🎤 And of course, don’t miss Asher's birthday jokes at the end to keep the celebration going! 🎉🍰 Grown ups, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our show so you won't miss our exciting new content coming this fall. 🚂✨ 📪 For Comments & Birthday Shouts, please leave us a 5 star rating on Apple! Or email: hello@culturekidsmedia.com 📞 Leave us a voicemail! http://culturekidsproductions.org ⭐️ Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Thank you David, Jenny and Senayda for your recordings!!!

In this revamped episode from 2022, we are taking you on a magical journey to the beautiful city of Prague! We chat with Jan, co-founder of Taste of Prague, a tour company that shares the vibrant culinary scene, culture, and history of this enchanting city. From the iconic Charles Bridge to the grand Prague Castle, Jan introduces us to some must-see landmarks and hidden gems like the secret deer moat beneath the castle. Jan also shares his favorite childhood spots, including a mini Eiffel Tower replica and the largest stadium in the world! The episode wouldn’t be complete without a deep dive into Czech cuisine—fruit dumplings, fried cheese, and hearty soups that make Prague’s food scene extra special. Plus, Jan teaches us a few words in Czech, including the fun greeting "Ahoy!" (Yes, like pirates!). Grab your ticket and enjoy this family-friendly virtual tour of one of Europe’s most magical cities. Taste of Prague: https://www.tasteofprague.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofprague 📪 For Comments & Birthday Shouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com 📞 Leave us a voicemail! http://culturekidsmedia.com ⭐️ Instagram: @culturekidsmedia

Culture Kids is a multiple award-winning family show dedicated to empowering children to embrace differences with curiosity, equality, and respect, while celebrating shared similarities. Through collaborations with cultural organizations, authors, and educators, we create engaging audio content for children aged 4-8, exploring topics like cultural holidays, cuisine, geography, and more. With a 5-star rating from Common Sense Media and a Webby Award win with multiple nominations, Culture Kids is excited to expand our mission by partnering with organizations that share our values. Each episode ends with the affirmation, "Here at Culture Kids, you and your family are welcomed, included, and celebrated for exactly who you are." We invite you to join our Culture Train and embark on a lifelong adventure with us, exploring new cultures, meeting guests from around the world, and discovering the diversity that makes our world so special. Comments, shoutouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Website: http://www.culturekidsproductions.com Instagram: @culturekidsproductions Please leave us a 5 star rating on Apple and Spotify!

Join us for this revamped episode of Culture Kids, where we've refreshed our journey to South Korea to explore Chuseok with even more fun facts, stories, and cultural insights to celebrate the holiday with our global community! Learn all about the traditions, delicious foods, and meaningful customs that make Chuseok a time for family, gratitude, and celebration. We’ll learn about the brief history of this vibrant harvest festival, discover why it’s always celebrated during a full moon, and hear about the beautiful hanboks that add a special touch to the festivities. We also share how other countries like China and Japan have similar celebrations, connecting us all through the spirit of thankfulness and family gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating Chuseok, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or just curious about these joyful traditions, this episode is packed with cultural fun and heartwarming stories that celebrate togetherness, delicious foods, and the beauty of embracing our roots. Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, and you might hear your name on the next show! 📪 For Comments & Birthday Shouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com. (Even though we're currently on a hiatus, we'll continue updating the shoutout section each week with revamped episodes. We love hearing from you, so please keep sending them in! 📞 Leave us a voicemail! http://culturekidsmedia.com ⭐️ Instagram: @culturekidsmedia Culture Kids Productions is excited to announce that we are now a nonprofit organization! As we continue to grow and expand our mission, we are actively seeking grant opportunities and scholarships to further support our work. If you are interested in partnering with us or offering support, please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com. We will be taking a brief hiatus to prepare for our upcoming holiday content. We look forward to returning with more enriching episodes for you and your family in the holiday season. Please keep in touch and subscribe so you don't miss out on our grand return!!!

While we're on a short break, we're excited to bring you a revamped episode from last year, where we dive into the world of delicious Indian desserts with our special guest, Ms. Ruchi! As the host of the kid science podcast India Asks Why, Ms. Ruchi joins Asher and Kristen to share her love for traditional Indian sweets, and the stories behind them. In this episode, we explore the diverse flavors of India, from creamy milk-based treats in the North to coconut-infused delights in the South. We learn about popular desserts like the silver-topped cashew fudge, Kaju Katli, and a special rice pudding that's enjoyed across the country with unique regional twists. Asher even gets a surprise learning about edible silver—yup, that's right, shiny silver on your dessert! Join us as we also learn about cultural influences on Indian sweets, the role of nuts and spices, and how desserts can be part of celebrations, from birthdays to the birth of a calf! Plus, If you love discovering how food connects us all, you won't want to miss this episode full of sweet adventures and fascinating flavors. So, grab a snack, hit play, and let's explore the world of Indian desserts together!

Hop aboard the Culture Train as we journey to the colorful islands of Trinidad & Tobago with special guest and children’s author, Farrah Chow Quan! We’ll explore the sun-kissed landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant mix of cultures that define this Caribbean paradise. Learn about Trinidadian Creole, the unique language of the islands, and discover the joyful sounds of Calypso and Soca music, featuring the iconic Steelpan. Get a sneak peek into the world-famous Carnival, the most spectacular celebration of music, dance, and culture. Plus, Ms. Farrah shares fun words from her book, Anansi and Boisie ABC, and teaches us what it means to "lime." Don’t miss this exciting episode packed with music, history, and plenty of island fun. Grab your passports and let’s go lime! Credits: Producers/Hosts: Kristen and Asher Kim Guest: Farrah Chow Quan Audio Engineer and Post Production: Robin Lai Theme Song: Composed by Kristen Kim, arranged and recorded by Robin Lai All other music and sound FX: Envato Elements Adventures of Anansi & Boisie ABC Purchase Here: https://fchowquan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farrahwaytravels/ https://www.instagram.com/anansiandboisie/ Machel Montano https://machelmontano.com/ Vibes Cyah Done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3geHVrmFnk Like Yuh Self: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjOf0MyeQPc 📪 For Comments & Birthday Shouts: hello@culturekidsmedia.com 📞 Leave us a voicemail! http://culturekidsmedia.com ⭐️ Instagram: @culturekidsmedia Culture Kids Productions is excited to announce that we are now a nonprofit organization! As we continue to grow and expand our mission, we are actively seeking grant opportunities and scholarships to further support our work. If you are interested in partnering with us or offering support, please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com. We will be taking a brief hiatus to prepare for our upcoming holiday content. We look forward to returning with more enriching episodes for you and your family in the holiday season. Please keep in touch and subscribe so you don't miss out on our grand return!!!

In this episode, we welcome back Ms. Jenny Abeling to discuss the important topic of long-term care for children. We explore what long-term care looks like for kids with disabilities, whether at school, at home, or in the community. Ms. Jenny explains how assistive devices like wheelchairs, prosthetic legs, and crutches help children with different needs participate in daily activities and enjoy life just like everyone else. The episode also sheds light on unseen disabilities, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and understanding in building a supportive community. We learn that being a friend means inviting others to join in the fun, no matter their abilities. Through examples and real-life stories, we discover creative ways to make games, activities, and even classrooms more accessible for everyone. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that everyone, regardless of their needs, has something special to contribute, and together we can create a world where everyone is included and celebrated! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Culture Kids Productions is excited to announce that we are now a nonprofit organization! As we continue to grow and expand our mission, we are actively seeking grant opportunities and scholarships to further support our work. If you are interested in partnering with us or offering support, please reach out to us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com. Please also note that after next week's episode, we will be taking a brief hiatus to prepare for our upcoming holiday content. We look forward to returning with more enriching episodes for you and your family in the holiday season. Ms. Jenny Abeling: https://www.jennyabeling.com/ GalPal Productions: https://www.galpalproductions.com/ Comments, birthday shoutouts and more: hello@culturekidsmedia.com Website: http://culturekidsproductions.com Consultant: Elisha Li https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisha-li-64772769 Artwork by: Mary Mathews Theme Song: Composed by Kristen Kim, Arranged and recorded by Robin Lai Sound FX: Envato Elements