
Ear Snacks Podcast for Kids
100 episodes — Page 2 of 2
S3 Ep 32What do you do when something breaks?
Some things crack by design - like eggs! But it can be really surprising for kids when something breaks, especially if that thing can't be repaired. In this episode, we think about what to do about the unpredictable. Everett (from South Africa), Henry & Saul, Jackson & Beanie and Ainsley tell Andrew & Polly about things that break. Elizabeth Cochran (aka Dr. Earthquakes!) from the USGS talks earthquake science (aka seismology) & L.A. Everett shares about how he cracked the bones in his arm. To find out more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE trial.
S3 Ep 31What are you going to be for Halloween?
Andrew & Polly receive an urgent voice message from their friends Kevin & Louise. We learned A LOT about disguises from marine biologist Rebecca Johnson from the California Academy of Sciences and voice actor and composer Greg Chun. Thanks to our pals Sadie A, Sadie E, Grey, Georgia, Zoey, Gavin, Gavin, Devorah, Elliot, Ainsley, Tanner, Luke & Ace for making Ear Snacks so delicious! Ear Snacks is a free interactive experience centered around children’s voices & ideas. To support the work we’re doing for your kids (and all kids), become a supporter on Patreon or through Apple Podcasts Premium Subscription feature. Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok! Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE trial.
S3 Ep 30The Steps to Making Great Art with John Baldessari
Andrew & Polly and their friends think about STEPS - the kinds you take with your feet, like when you go on a walk with mom, or when you have an idea for a sandwich, paper airplane - or amazing art project. We interview an alien, our friends, and art legend John Baldessari who died in January, 2020 at the age of 88. Many thanks to Malcolm, Jonas, Milena, Sady, Ella, and to Patrick Pardo for arranging our interview with Mr. Baldessari. You can learn more about John Baldessari at baldessari.org or at most modern art museums. Or via this epic 6-minute biography narrated by Tom Waits. For more information or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org. And thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.
S3 Ep 29A Visit to the Dentist
It's important to keep your teeth healthy! Andrew & Polly learn what to expect when visiting the dentist and get some official teeth info from one of the friendliest pediatric dentists around, Dr. Jessie Schwarz. Plus, a song about a Saw & Zipper (who both have teeth).

S3 Ep 28Bubbles! (It’s ephemeral, kid.)
Pop! Welcome to a very floaty episode of Ear Snacks in which Andrew & Polly (literally) get into bubbles. Come ponder the nature of glistening spheres, learn the science of surface tension and explore the wonders of Bubble Planet at Kidspace Children’s Museum, and wax poetic about the joy of sharing bubbles with our effortlessly effervescent pal, Mista Cookie Jar -- who helps us make a brand new song, “Like a Bubble!" Thanks to Kaya, Kali, Kieran, Vada & Shai (who made some bubble art for this episode) for sharing what they know about bubbles! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org and special thanks to our amazing new Patreon supporters Winona, Margot, Gussy, & Theo family! To support the work we do, join us at patreon.com/earsnacks Thanks to editor extraordinaire Allyson Holley for helping us make this episode, as well as musicians Bruno Serroni (cello), Davi Mello (cavaquino), Jon-Paul Frappier (trumpet), Chris Bonner (bass) and Chris Barber (drums) for bringing our original music to life. And as always, thank YOU for listening -- it means a lot. Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!
S3 Ep 27Is it going to rain?
Forget weather apps -- by looking and listening outside, how can you tell if it's going to rain? Perfect for staring out of car windows or finding a cozy space to draw, Andrew & Polly ask their friends from New Zealand to Arkansas all about the weather where they live. We learn about how the water cycle works by imagining ourselves as rain drops with Carie Fallwell from the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa, Florida. We compose a storm of voices by sampling our incredible audience. We think about glaciers and droughts with hydrologist Dr. Jess Driscoll. And we put a tune to an age-old question, "How Can You Tell if It's Going to Rain?" To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org
S3 Ep 26What should we pack? (Camping with kids + helping refugee families with Miry’s List)
Kevin & Louise Giraffe attempt to pack for a camping trip while Andrew & Polly ask kids what they know about tents. Miry's List founder Miry Whitehill helps kids and families imagine what makes a home feel safe and cozy and helps us think about ways we can welcome refugee families resettling in our neighborhoods. We're figuring out what to pack for our July mini-tour in Colorado! Visit andrewandpolly.com to find out more or reach out to us directly -- we'd love to connect with you IRL! To offer us any feedback on this episode or if your kid wants to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - thanks for listening!
S3 Ep 25Celebrating Juneteenth!
In this episode of Ear Snacks we celebrate Juneteenth by sharing songs from "All One Tribe," a compilation celebrating the rich culture and diversity that Black voices bring to family music. All One Tribe / Juneteenth Mixtape For All by The Wise Channel Family Reunion by Fyütch (feat. Divinity Roxx) I Believe by Shine & the Moonbeams Clap Your Hands by The Magic Jones Shine (Melanin Remix) by Alphabet Rockers Nothing Wrong With The Black Crayon by DJ Willy Wow! | We All Live by Melanie DeMore Mtoto Mzuri by Jabali Afrika (feat. Ahadi) Beautiful Brown Babies by Kymberly Stewart Learn more about each of these 24 Black family music artists across the country and on social media via #allonetribe #1tribecollective. Support the project by buying the album and sharing the music! Special thanks to Aaron Nigel Smith and Family Music Forward for facilitating this mixtape. 100% of ad revenue from this episode will go to supporting 1 Tribe Collective. Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.
S3 Ep 24Here’s one thing you’ll need for summer travel!
What is a hat!?!? Andrew & Polly are determined to find out. Thanks for listening! Ear Snacks is centered around children’s voices & ideas. To support the work we’re doing or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org or become a supporter on Patreon. Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok! Thanks to NOVO for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Novo.co/EARSNACKS and get your FREE business banking account
S3 Ep 26Time Travel Experiments with Letter Writing!
H-E-L-L-O! What's a letter? How old is the invention of type? How does a ballpoint pen work? Andrew & Polly investigate. Ana Gomez-Bernaus explains the art of typography and designing your own letters, and The Pen Addict's Brad Dowdy muses on drawing miniature cities and writing letters to baseball players to get their autographs. We first published this episode in 2017 with an incorrect mention that Gutenberg's printing press was the first development in moveable type in 1400. The episode you just heard is a revision as of 5/11/2022. We want to thank listener, typographer and mom Steph Rue for alerting us to the many many years of developments in typography in Asia that predate the printing press. Our previous release reinforced a western perspective, which is incorrect and as part of our ongoing work to dismantle racism we have decided to release a new version and our hope is to share that with you as transparently as possible. Thank you to Steph for noticing this, bringing it to us, educating us and allowing us a chance to do this work. Parts of this episode were recorded live at the Strathmore Performing Arts Center in North Bethesda, MD. For more information, check out: Ana Gomez-Bernaus's lettering art, The Pen Addict and Strathmore Performing Arts Center. Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.
S3 Ep 25Back on Stage this Weekend - Gotta Get Ready!
We are so excited to be back on stage this weekend at the LA Times Festival of Books *and* the grand opening of CAMP West LA! But first we have to get ready. What do *you* do to get ready before you leave home? Hint hint - this episode, full of fun-facts all about teeth, will give you a clue! Join us this weekend in LA! We'll be emceeing the kids stage at the LATimes Festival of Books on Saturday and Sunday 4/23 & 4/24, introducing some of your favorite authors, some friends and even some legends - and sharing wiggles and giggles and tunes, too. And Sunday before we head there we'll be singing from 10:30-11:30 at CAMP, a new family experience space in the Century City Mall. Can't wait to see some of you there! To be on the show or to find out more, visit earsnacks.org. Thanks to NOVO for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Novo.co/EARSNACKS and get your FREE business banking account
S3 Ep 24Seeds & Ideas: How do they grow?
What does a seed need to grow? A kid? An idea? Andrew & Polly ask many different people about growing many different things. How does bird poop bring the world together? With peppers, of course! Uncle Fred tells us about germination, the first World's Hottest Pepper (Bhut Jolokia), and... BIRD POOP. If you aren't a dragon and like spicy stuff, you can check out the Sparkling River Pepper Company's smoke dried peppers, sauces and spice blends at sparking-river.com Our neighbor Miriam takes us to visit the Peace Garden, an urban garden space at Peace4Kids in South Central Los Angeles for youth in the foster care system. Zaid started the garden, Alex tends it, and a blue-bellied lizard named Tom visits it. Miriam, Alex, and Zaid talk about the garden, their work with youth in foster care through the non-profit Peace4Kids, what nature means to them, and what seeds - and ideas - need to grow. You can learn more and support their work at peace4kids.org and see Miriam's artwork at miriamcortez.com. Many thanks to Fred Gray, Miriam Cortez, Alex Zalder, Zaid Gayle, and our friends Amelia, Bennett, Charlie, Sam and Kalinga for talking to us about growing all kinds of things. To be on the show or to find out more, visit earsnacks.org. Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.
S3 Ep 23What’s a Prank?
What's a prank? What makes a *good* prank? And how do you know when you're over The Line? Andrew & his kids contemplate the nature of surprises, the intention behind jokes, and scheme up some wholesome pranks on their walk to school. Thanks to musical guests Story Pirates for their song “Cat Sit on You” & New Zealand’s Captain Fectus McBoyle for his new single “Just Breathe” – and “Mom’s Name” by us and the hilarious and gregarious Mike Phirman (performing a rare live show in Colorado this weekend!) You can find more tomfoolery and improv storytelling opportunities at Story Pirates April Fools Camp! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org – and thanks for listening!
S3 Ep 22Our World is a Family with Miry Whitehill & Jennifer Jackson
When we see someone new in our neighborhood, how can we make them feel safe and loved and important? We visit again with Miry’s List founder Miry Whitehill and co-author Jennifer Jackson about their new book Our World is a Family. We learn new words of welcome, think about ways to talk to children about migration and refugees, and even inspire Louise Giraffe to undertake a creative welcoming project. With so much in the news about war and migration, this episode and amazing book can be a resource for families and educators who are taking a proactive approach to supporting children’s understanding of complicated events as well as a lifelong process of cultivation of empathy. Plus, easy activities that we can do to support children who have had to leave their homes. Find Our World is a Family wherever you get your books. Find free resources and activities at miryslist.org/learn – and thank you. (Also, here’s a WBUR interview about how Miry’s List is preparing to welcome families from Ukraine ) Thanks to NOVO for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Novo.co/EARSNACKS and get your FREE business banking account
S3 Ep 21Fan Faves: Pajamas & The Incredible Edible Bed with Mindy Thomas from Wow in the World!
Do you wish you could wake up on a bed of delicious toast? Do restaurants in your neighborhood sound like song lyrics? Our friend Katara from Brooklyn, NY, shares two ways our episode about Pajamas (with Wow in the World’s Mindy Thomas!) connects with her life. Let’s get cozy! In Pajamas II, we explore: Pajama Day! The Science of Sleep (why our bodies need rest) The idea of the “Sleepunder” (instead of sleepover) Trippy Dreams How different families say goodnight Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features. What's your kiddo's favorite episode of Ear Snacks? For a chance to be featured on the show, let us know at earsnacks.org! Interview: Your Favorite Ear Snacks Moment! Please record kids’ answers via voice memo, give them time to answer, skip/expand on these questions as needed, and don’t forget -- have fun! E-mail recordings to [email protected] Say: Hi, Andrew & Polly and Ear Snacks Listeners! Who are you? (What's your first name? How old are you? Where do you live? For this one, it's especially helpful if they answer in full sentences - "My name is ______ or I am _______.") When and where do you listen to Ear Snacks? Who do you listen with? What's your favorite episode of Ear Snacks? What's your favorite thing that has happened on Ear Snacks? Why do you like to listen to that part so much? Have you ever been inspired to explore something, make something or have a family joke or something you say to each other because of something on Ear Snacks? What is it? Anything else you want to share with Andrew & Polly? What do you call kids who listen to Ear Snacks? (Ear Snackers? Ear Snacks friends? Ear Snacks people?) Tell us to play your favorite part in your own words, or say one of these: - Cue the tape! - Will you play it now? - Let's listen to it! I love this part! - Let's just play it already! - Remember that time on Ear Snacks when... Say: Bye, Andrew & Polly! E-mail your voice memo to [email protected]
S3 Ep 20Fan Faves: Bad Guys!
Our friend Monk from Oakland, CA loves when Andrew tries to scare Polly in our episode about Bad Guys! So we’re replaying it here – play along with us! We explore: What are the parts of a story? How can you play “bad guys” and keep everyone safe? How to sound “like a bad guy” with voice actress Morla Gorondona! To Play or Not To Play: Making Agreements! Wondering why we don't have any pretend jails in this episode (or our house)? Check out and donate to the non-profit The Sentencing Project. Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons across the country at nearly five times the rate of whites, and Latinx people are 1.3 times as likely to be incarcerated than non-Latinx whites. We highly discourage play that involves police, jails, and prisons and encourage age-appropriate discourse with young children around those topics instead. If you are parent or educator who is worried about bad guy and superhero play, check out this episode for parents: "Pretend gun Play and Actual Bad Guys with Jane Lindholm." For anyone who wants to go even deeper, check out this documentation of "bad guy" play published in Early Childhood Research and Practice. So - what's your kiddo's favorite episode of Ear Snacks? We'd love them to introduce it - Here are the details of how to participate: Interview: Your Favorite Ear Snacks Moment! Please record kids’ answers via voice memo, give them time to answer, skip/expand on these questions as needed, and don’t forget -- have fun! E-mail recordings to [email protected] Say: Hi, Andrew & Polly and Ear Snacks Listeners! Who are you? (What's your first name? How old are you? Where do you live? For this one, it's especially helpful if they answer in full sentences - "My name is ______ or I am _______.") When and where do you listen to Ear Snacks? Who do you listen with? What's your favorite episode of Ear Snacks? What's your favorite thing that has happened on Ear Snacks? Why do you like to listen to that part so much? Have you ever been inspired to explore something, make something or have a family joke or something you say to each other because of something on Ear Snacks? What is it? Anything else you want to share with Andrew & Polly? What do you call kids who listen to Ear Snacks? (Ear Snackers? Ear Snacks friends? Ear Snacks people?) Tell us to play your favorite part in your own words, or say one of these: - Cue the tape! - Will you play it now? - Let's listen to it! I love this part! - Let's just play it already! - Remember that time on Ear Snacks when... Say: Bye, Andrew & Polly! E-mail your voice memo to [email protected]
S3 Ep 19Fan Faves: Fruit!
If you haven’t heard the very first episode of Ear Snacks, our friend Maeve from Madison, WI super-duper loves it. So she's sharing about it here – AND we're talking about one of Polly’s favorite fruit books: Grapefruit by Yoko Ono. In this episode, you'll hear Polly read: PAINTING FOR THE WIND (1961, summer) PAINTING TO SEE THE ROOM (1961, autumn) PAINTING TO ENLARGE AND SEE (1961, summer) TUNAFISH SANDWICH PIECE (1964, spring) So - what's your kiddo's favorite episode of Ear Snacks? We'd love them to introduce it - Here are the details of how to participate: Interview: Your Favorite Ear Snacks Moment! Please record kids’ answers via voice memo, give them time to answer, skip/expand on these questions as needed, and don’t forget -- have fun! E-mail recordings to [email protected] Say: Hi, Andrew & Polly and Ear Snacks Listeners! Who are you? (What's your first name? How old are you? Where do you live? For this one, it's especially helpful if they answer in full sentences - "My name is ______ or I am _______.") When and where do you listen to Ear Snacks? Who do you listen with? What's your favorite episode of Ear Snacks? What's your favorite thing that has happened on Ear Snacks? Why do you like to listen to that part so much? Have you ever been inspired to explore something, make something or have a family joke or something you say to each other because of something on Ear Snacks? What is it? Anything else you want to share with Andrew & Polly? What do you call kids who listen to Ear Snacks? (Ear Snackers? Ear Snacks friends? Ear Snacks people?) Tell us to play your favorite part in your own words, or say one of these: - Cue the tape! - Will you play it now? - Let's listen to it! I love this part! - Let's just play it already! - Remember that time on Ear Snacks when... Say: Bye, Andrew & Polly! E-mail your voice memo to [email protected]

S3 Ep 20Smaller than Small: The Discovery of Quarks with Dr. Martin Breidenbach
What is the smallest thing you can think of? What’s smaller than that? For World Quark Day, experimental physicist Dr. Martin Breidenbach takes Andrew & Polly on a trip through the 70’s into subatomic space to recount his use of a gigantic device to discover how small the universe can get. Innovations such as radiation oncology and the World Wide Web can trace their origins to the pioneering experiments of physicists like Marty asking the same questions we ask on Ear Snacks – What’s that made of? How can we learn more about it? And what’s next? Giga thanks to Marty for walking us through the fundamental nature of matter and SLAC NAtional Accelerator Laboratory’s Manuel Gnida for arranging the interview. To support the work that we do and get bonus content and personalized birthday messages, visit patreon.com/earsnacks -- thanks for listening!
S3 Ep 19Play this Great Grammy-Nominated Music for Kids!
New Year, New Tunes! Feast your ears on 5 delicious tracks representing the work of 30+ incredible family music artists nominated for Best Children’s Album in the 64th GRAMMY Awards! Ven Conmigo a Jugar from Actívate by 123 Andrés feat. Juan Miguel and YoelKeys Rainbow from A Colorful World by Falu Another Day from Crayon Kids by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band Family Reunion from All One Tribe by Fyütch feat. Divinity Roxx Attitude of Gratitude from Black to the Future by Pierce Freelon feat. Kelly Kale Immense gratitude for the music these talented Grammy-nominated artists made and shared with us today: We hope you’ll look these artists up – and share their work so other friends can discover some new music for their new year. We are looking for some NEW ideas for Ear Snacks + NEW friends who want to be on the show – to be on the show, have your grownup tell us what you’re super into by visiting earnsacks.org Thanks so much to Shopify for making this episode of Ear Snacks possible. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.
S3 Ep 18How Marine Animals Communicate with Lights
An interview with a mermaid scientist!!! This episode of Ear Snacks features the bright light of science communicator and mermaid, Danni Washington. Check out her amazing book, Bold Women in Science, and her podcast for kids, Genius Generation. Thanks again to our friends Arlo, Molly, Poppy, Opal, Sam, and Thiri (and their parents) for sharing what they know about lights! And thank you to all our listeners for your beautiful inner lights and for using them to help others see something new. Please consider supporting our work this holiday season at patreon.com/earsnacks (and receive a cameo-style personalized video!) To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org – thanks for listening!
S3 Ep 17Light Up Your Holidays with this Holiday Mixtape!
Happy Happy Holidays! Let these completely original family-music tunes light up your holidays and upcoming home days. Thanks to these incredibly talented and generous musicians who fill our ears and hearts all year long - a great way to support their work is by sharing their music, adding their songs to your playlists and following them on social media! Happy Happy Holidays by Aaron Nigel Smith All I Want for Christmas is Used by Formidable Vegetable Coniferous Trees by Molly Ledford & Billy Kelly Zat You Santa Claus by Jazzy Ash Kwanzaa Slide by Culture Queen & Fyütch Bright Winter Day by Little Miss Ann Esta Lucesita by Elizabeth Mitchell & Suni Paz So Freaking Ready for a New Year by those jokers Andrew & Polly
S3 Ep 16Songs of Light + Celebrating Kwanzaa with Fyütch!
What do the bright lights of Time Square, the dancing lights of Nashville’s Opryland Hotel, and the seven candles of Kwanzaa have in common? Ask social justice artist Fyütch! This episode of Ear Snacks features Fyütch’s love of various lights, his family’s new tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa, and his song This Kwanzaa (feat. Pierce Freelon) from his album Family Tree (Songs about Black history, culture & love). We encourage families to do the work of learning about Kwanzaa and talking about its origins. Thanks again to our friends Arlo, Molly, Poppy, Opal, Sam, and Thiri (and their parents) for sharing what they know about lights and how their families use lights to celebrate. Coming up next in the Ear Snacks Celebration of Lights - bioluminescence and more original holiday tunes for the whole family. Stay cozy out there! Please consider supporting our work this holiday season at patreon.com/earsnacks (and receive a cameo-style personalized video for your kiddo's birthday!) To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org – thanks for listening! And connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok! Thanks to this episode's sponsors: Thanks, Candlewick Press! Get the Ada and the Galaxies, We Are One: How the World Adds Up, Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast and Ear Worm wherever books are sold. Thanks iD Tech Pro. To save up to $200 across all iD Tech programs, including summer tech camps, online private tutoring and small-group classes and certifications, go to idtech.com/EARSNACKS.
S3 Ep 15Fireflies, Glow-sticks & The Lights of Hanukkah
Sundown, lights up! Andrew & Polly ask their friends about sources of illumination, human-made and natural. Lori Hoch Stiefel from PJ Library shares her Hanukkah story and we begin to wonder...why do candlelight and winter celebrations go hand-in-hand? Thanks to Arlo, Molly, Poppy, Opal, Sam, and Thiri (and their parents) for sharing what they know about lights and how their families use lights to celebrate. As the nights get longer, we’ll dive deeper into how lights work, bioluminescence, and how our inner light can shine to help others see something new. To be on the show or to find out more, visit earsnacks.org

S3 Ep 1424,000 Keys: The Music of ”Vivo” from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Sony Pictures Animation + the art of Paul Ramirez Jonas
Kevin & Louise Giraffe continue cracking gate codes, Andrew & Polly think more about why things are locked, and two special guests share about 24,001 special keys! Martina Castro (Adonde Media founder and host of The Vivo Songbook, the podcast about that awesome Lin-Mauel Miranda / Sony Pictures Animation movie) shares what she learned from Buena Vista Social Club’s Juan de Marcos about the key to Cuban music -- la Clave! Renowned sculptor and social practice artist Paul Ramirez Jonas opens conversations about public spaces and access with the 24,000 keys hey made as part of the Key to the City project. Last but not least, many thanks to the kids on this episode -- Lev, Wilder, Gertie and Jack! If your family is interested in being on the show, visit earsnacks.org Annnnnd thanks to our awesome supporters at patreon.com/earsnacks -- just $2/month unlocks special bonus content and personalized birthday videos from us. Connect with us there or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!
S3 Ep 13Keys: Unlocking What Makes Us Who We Are
Andrew & Polly explore keys -- the jingly kind and the genetic. Meanwhile, sneaky gift-giving giraffes Kevin & Louise have to crack Andrew & Polly’s new gate code to deliver some leftover Halloween candy. Our friend Jack shares about his brother’s very unique chromosomes and how he thinks genetic codes and kindness go together. And we get another house call from pediatric surgeon Dr. Willie Moses who explains more of the science behind genetic codes and how learning to focus as a choirboy unlocked his potential as a lifelong learner. Thanks to our awesome supporters at patreon.com/earsnacks -- just $2/month unlocks special bonus content and personalized birthday videos from us! Last but not least, many thanks to the kids on this episode -- Lev, Wilder, Gertie and Jack! If your family is interested in participating, visit earsnacks.org Will Kevin & Louise ever figure out the code to Andrew & Polly’s new front gate? What other kinds of special keys are there? Monkeys? Kiwis? Keanu Reeves? Find out next week in another episode of this podcast which is apparently hosted by giraffes now. Thanks to this episode's sponsors: Thank you to MIT Kids Press and Candlewick Press! Get Ada and the Galaxies and We are One: How The World Ads Up wherever books are sold. Thanks StoryWorth. Get $10 off your first purchase at http://StoryWorth.com/EARSNACKS
S3 Ep 12When Kids Have to Get Shots - For Parents & Caregivers
Andrew & Polly have a frank conversation for parents about getting kids ready for the COVID-19 vaccine as well as routine pediatric vaccinations. We share some interesting stuff that didn't make the episode for kids, why Polly doesn't like to use the word "shots," our own parenting practice around pediatric vaccination appointments and the extended interview with Child Life Specialist Rose Tandeta with tips and tricks for making these appointments go as smoothly as possible. This is a companion to this episode of Ear Snacks for kids in which Andrew & Polly explore what kids know (and don’t know) about the COVID-19 vaccine now available in the U.S. for children age 5-11. Thanks to our friends Twyla, Dash, Ani, Izzy, Eliana, Quinn, Cora, and Jane and their parents for sharing! Thanks also to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids! Listen to their show and subscribe wherever you like to get your ear stuff.
S3 Ep 11Getting Kids Ready for the COVID-19 Vaccine
In this special episode of Ear Snacks, Andrew & Polly explore what kids know (and don’t know) about the Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine now available in the U.S. for children age 5-11. We prepare for the experience of getting a shot with Child Life Specialist Rose Tandeta (UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland) and explain how an mRNA vaccine works by sharing a hilarious pie analogy from Laurel Bristow (MSc, Control of Infectious Diseases). Here at Ear Snacks we love learning and sharing, and we hope all of our immune systems can learn how to keep our bodies healthy and not share crazy pies with our neighbors! Thanks to our friends Twyla, Dash, Ani, Izzy, Eliana, Quinn, Cora, and Jane and their parents for being on Ear Snacks. To be on the show visit http://earsnacks.org and please support the work we do by joining us at patreon.com/earsnacks .
S3 Ep 10Mustaches!
Handlebar. Caterpillar. Pencil. Walrus. Andrew & Polly ponder the preponderance of upper-lip hair style choices and wonder -- can only men like Tom Selleck and Ron Swanson grow mustaches? Why aren't eyebrows called eye mustaches? Sally Rubin shares about her mustache and her film Mama Has a Mustache that encourages families to talk openly and listen curiously to what kids have to say about gender identity. We mustache you to consider supporting the work we do at patreon.com/earsnacks -- subscribing for as little as $2/month gets you fun bonus content and helps us do what we do. Thanks to our friends Danica, Eamon, Heather, Jasper, and Katara (AND their parents) for sharing what they know about mustaches! To find out more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org Thanks to this episode's sponsors: Thanks, Candlewick Press! Get We Are One: How The World Adds Up wherever books are sold. Thanks iD Tech Pro. To save $150 on weekly, small-group semesters, go to idtech.com/EARSNACKS and use promo code EARSNACKS. You can also get started with a 1-on-1 tutoring lesson for just $49.
S3 Ep 9Tissues: How to Sneeze and Cellular Lego Kits
Andrew & Polly investigate the science of sneezing, how tissues are made, how the amazing human body protects itself, and how we can all protect each other when we...ah...ah...achoo! Thanks to Wow in the World’s Mindy Thomas for playing “Should I Pick It?” and communicating so much gooey science from her New York Times best-selling book The How and The Wow of the Human Body. And thanks to pediatric surgeon Dr. Willie Moses from UCSF for using his imaginary laparoscope to reveal the secrets of the cellular LEGO kit inside all of us. Thanks to the families who support our work at patreon.com/earsnacks! And thanks to the four fantastic kids -- Emily from Scotland, Mila from Wyoming, Valentino from Italy, and Izzy from California -- who helped us think about tissues inside and outside our bodies! Thanks to this episode’s sponsors! Thanks to MIT Kids Press. Get Ada and the Galaxies wherever books are sold Thanks iD Tech Pro. To save $150 on weekly, small-group semesters, go to idtech.com/EARSNACKS and use promo code EARSNACKS. You can also get started with a 1-on-1 tutoring lesson for just $49.
S3 Ep 8Raisins: Are They Great or Gross?
Andrew knows two people who have a real problem with raisins: Polly and visitor-from-the-Sun Gustafer Yellowgold. Musician/cartoonist Morgan Taylor was kind enough to facilitate this summit of Earthlings and Sunlings in our continuing series about what Treats are (and aren’t.) You can find all of Morgan’s multimedia Gustafer chronicling at gustaferyellowgold.com or listen to his latest audiobook A Cooler World on Audible. Thanks to Morgan, Gustafer, Slim the eel and Stephanie Meyers the publicist for making this a cooler podcast -- and a big thank you to our awesome supporters for supporting the work we do at patreon.com/earsnacks! Y’all make this a cooler world indeed. We’ve got more Ear Snacks in store for you soon, but we always want to hear what your kids are thinking about and find a way to invite them on the show -- visit earsnacks.org to let us know?
S3 Ep 7Great Music for Kids: A Playlist of Our Favorite New Awesome Songs!
We are so excited to share these new tunes with you! Join us for the best day ever in our backyard with words of kindness, barbecue, vaccinated grandma's, lessons on money, friendship, unique and amazing people, bubbles & joy and a sweet look at the night sky. This episode features the following songs: Best Day Ever - SaulPaul Please Excuse Me Thank You - Ziggy Marley (feat. Alanis Morrisette) There’s a Party in My Backyard - DJ Willy Wow The Moon & the Stars & Me - The Bright Siders Juneteenth - Fy ütch + Alphabet Rockers Common Scents -Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (feat. Asheville Symphony & Awa Sangho) Friendship Party - Lucy Kalantari (feat. Jazzy Ash & Joelle Lurie) No One Exactly Like You - Pierce Freelon & Nnenna Freelon Like a Bubble - Andrew & Polly (feat. Mista Cookie Jar) Being a musician is tough! Please support these artists and share their work. To find out more about Ear Snacks or be on the show, visit earsnacks.org. If you want to support the work we do (and get extra content, personalized birthday videos, sneak peaks and more), join the Snack Club at patreon.com/earsnacks - it’s a TREAT to make brain food for your kids & all kids! Still need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!
S3 Ep 6Treats: What’s the best treat of all time?
What makes a treat a treat? Andrew & Polly ask kids on 3 continents, neighbor and food scientist Sara Yang, and treat-inspired multimedia Minnesotans Bryan and Neil of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Andrew also unveils the Treat Song 3000 and, deliciousness ensues! Thank you to Elias, Bodhin, JoJo, Madelynn, and Monk for treating us to your thoughts on treats. Thanks to Sara Yang for helping us think about sensory science as it relates to food and for giving us a nose-pinching jelly bean taste-testing experiment to try. This episode includes an original underscore as well as snippets of Grapes by Andrew & Polly, Everybody Eats When They Come to My House by Cab Calloway, and two tunes -- I Like Cake and Ice Cold Lemonade -- by our guests Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Their new record Slow Clap and their podcast Banter Buddies and you can find Bryan and Neil at a dance party or craft service table near you. Hooray for our newest Patreon supporters Nona and Juno! If you want to support the work we do (and get extra content, personalized birthday videos, sneak peaks and more), join the Snack Club at patreon.com/earsnacks - it’s a TREAT to make brain food for your kids & all kids!
S3 Ep 5Tents: Everyone Needs Shelter (Talking to Kids about Refugees)
If two giraffes went camping, what would they bring? While Kevin & Louise try to figure out what they need to bring on their camping trip, Miry from Miry’s List helps Andrew & Polly meditate on the sounds and smells of home, and offers ideas about how we can help families seeking refuge in our communities feel at home. Thanks to our friends Sabo, Reuben, Tess, Fritz, Kalin & Millie who asked to be on the show by having a grownup visit earsnacks.org. A special shoutout to our newest Patreon supporters who joined our snack club at patreon.com/earsnacks: The Chan Family, aka Captain Awesome, Mama Juggler, Donny Lamborghini, and BeeBee Elias & Eliana, from a different Chan Family! Bobby and Stella in Calgary Miry’s List is a non-profit organization helping families from Syria, Afghanistan and many other countries make new homes in the United States. To support the work Miry and countless incredible volunteers are doing: Contribute to the Miry’s List Emergency Action Fund for Afghan Families Visit miryslist.org Pre-order the upcoming book “Our World is a Family.” We (Andrew & Polly) wrote the new song featured in this episode, At the Campfire by Night -- to find more of our music and to inquire about original scores for media, visit andrewandpolly.com - thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!
S3 Ep 4Making Soap + Thought Bubbles!
Explore the science & joy of soap making with Claudia Zanes, a wonderful family musician and soap maker! Then take a deep breath with authors Mags DeRoma & Christine Peck whose book “Too Many Bubbles” helps kids navigate the anxiety of grumpy thoughts that won’t go away. Andrew practices Polly’s game of turning thought bubbles into word bubbles! (Golly, that does take practice!) Check out Dan + Claudia Zanes’ newest single Reparations is a Must, Claudia's handmade CLEO Soaps as well as the imaginative board game Mags and Christine make, Silly Street! Thanks again to the kids who added their voices to this episode: Kaya, Kali, Kieran, Vada & Shai -- If you want to be on the show or to find out more, visit earsnacks.org. Ear Snacks is a free interactive experience centered around children’s voices & ideas -- special thanks and a huge shoutout to our newest Patreon supporters Alice, Cora, Miles, Kali and Kaya. To support the work we’re doing for your kids (and all kids), visit patreon.com/earsnacks -- thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!
S3 Ep 3Bubbles: The Science Inside Those Floaty Poppy Sudsy Happy Spheres!
Pop! Welcome to a very floaty episode of Ear Snacks in which Andrew & Polly (literally) get into bubbles. Come ponder the nature of glistening spheres, learn the science of surface tension and explore the wonders of Bubble Planet at Kidspace Children’s Museum, and wax poetic about the joy of sharing bubbles with our effortlessly effervescent pal, Mista Cookie Jar -- who helps us make a brand new song, “Like a Bubble!" Thanks to Kaya, Kali, Kieran, Vada & Shai (who made some bubble art for this episode) for sharing what they know about bubbles! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org and special thanks to our amazing new Patreon supporters Winona, Margot, Gussy, & Theo family! To support the work we do, join us at patreon.com/earsnacks Thanks to editor extraordinaire Allyson Holley for helping us make this episode, as well as musicians Bruno Serroni (cello), Davi Mello (cavaquino), Jon-Paul Frappier (trumpet), Chris Bonner (bass) and Chris Barber (drums) for bringing our original music to life. And as always, thank YOU for listening -- it means a lot. Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!
S3 Ep 2Jars: What Do You Keep in a Jar? Jam? Pickles? Jelly Beans?
We talk to Andrew’s mom about making blueberry jam, Amy Dickens from Salt + Sage Catering about keeping foods separate and pickling turnips. Plus, we count all the jelly beans in Polly’s giant jar of jelly beans and reveal the four closest guessers! What are *you* up to with jars this summer? We want to see your jar projects! If you need some ideas, check out these fun links - and share them with us on on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok. Thanks to Anika, Aarys, Rala, and Liv (who made the art for this episode!) for sharing what they know about jars. If your child wants to share what they know on the show (or just say hello) visit earsnacks.org.
S3 Ep 1Jars: are they the perfect containers or what!?!
Salt and Sage's Amy Dickens -- who has at least 110 jars -- talks about sharing food and jar mishaps. Plus, food science and scaring away micropes with Harry Rosenblum and Hannah Fordin from the Time for Lunch podcast. And we start a jar band. Obviously. Can you guess how many jellybeans are in Polly’s giant 1-gallon jar? Give it a try! Comment with your kiddo's guess by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok. Thanks to Anika, Liv Rala, and Aarys (who made the art for this episode!) for sharing what they know about jars. If your child wants to share what they know on the show (or just say hello) visit earsnacks.org. Ear Snacks is a free interactive experience for families centered around kids’ voices and ideas. If you believe in this show, consider becoming a supporter for as little as $2/month on Patreon or Apple Podcasts - and thanks!
Great Music for Kids: All One Tribe - Juneteenth Mixtape
In this brand new episode of Ear Snacks, we share songs from "All One Tribe," a compilation celebrating the rich culture and diversity that Black voices bring to family music. We also discuss the meaning of Juneteenth, the years between the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in Texas, and how recognizing this holiday can help make the United States a better place for all. All One Tribe / Juneteenth Mixtape For All by The Wise Channel Family Reunion by Fyütch (feat. Divinity Roxx) I Believe by Shine & the Moonbeams Clap Your Hands by The Magic Jones Shine (Melanin Remix) by Alphabet Rockers Nothing Wrong With The Black Crayon by DJ Willy Wow! | We All Live by Melanie DeMore Mtoto Mzuri by Jabali Afrika (feat. Ahadi) Beautiful Brown Babies by Kymberly Stewart Learn more about each of these 24 Black family music artists across the country and on social media via #allonetribe #1tribecollective. Support the project by buying the album and sharing the music! If you want to raise up Juneteenth long-term, consider signing the Change.org petition -- Marke Juneteenth a National Holiday Special thanks to Aaron Nigel Smith and Family Music Forward for facilitating this mixtape.

For Parents: On Children & Advertising and How Kids Listen to Podcasts
We are excited to announce that Season 3 is on its way, and with it a new format! In this episode *for parents* we discuss advertising on kids podcasts, data on kids listening habits from the non-profit organization Kids Listen, express heartfelt appreciation for our audience and announce upcoming Patreon requests. To kick things off, we could really use your help to better understand our audience! Please share some anonymous information with us by taking this three-minute survey: http://bit.ly/earpodsurvey . For more information on Dr. Esther Rosendaal's work on kids and advertising, listen to her on this episode of "Your Parenting Mojo." If you want to learn more about Ear Snacks or how to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org.

Trailer: What even is Ear Snacks?
trailerWhether you're brand new to Ear Snacks or an old friend of the show, here's a treat for your ears! What happens on Ear Snacks? Kids and grownups share what they know and are curious about what they don't know… yet. You might sing, giggle or want a hug. If you'd like to be on the show or to find out more, visit earsnacks.org Ear Snacks is a free interactive experience centered around children’s voices & ideas. To support the work we’re doing for your kids (and all kids), become a supporter on Patreon or through Apple Podcasts Premium Subscription feature. Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Great Music for Kids: Family Music Forward Mixtape
This year's Grammy-nominees for Best Children's Album are all artists who are white, but young ears can and should hear a rainbow of identities represented in music. Black and brown children deserve access to music that welcomes, reflects, and celebrates them. In this special episode of Ear Snacks, Andrew & Polly celebrate diverse voices in family music and highlight the work of Family Music Forward, an organization dedicated to equity and racial justice in children's music.

For Parents: Anti-Racist Parenting with Alphabet Rockers
How can we practice anti-racism as a family? We feel a special responsibility to address this topic thoughtfully with you and your children beginning with this episode of Ear Snacks for Parents. In conversation with Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd of Alphabet Rockers, we think aloud about advocacy, parenting, and so much more - including their anti-racist course for families: We Got Work to Do. Please check out their amazing work at alphabetrockers.com and thanks for listening!
Celebrating Halloween with Spooky Sounds, Music & Jokes!
Halloween can be fun and full of surprises, but it can also be a bit scary for young kids. Join Andrew & Polly for an exploration of spooky musical sounds, jokes and songs to help make the best of the season's BOO's (and keep them from becoming boo-hoo's)! Parents, educators and caregivers may also want to check out this great article from the ADL to prepare for an inclusive and safe-feeling holiday. Subscribe to Ear Snacks on your mobile device, Apple Podcasts or Spotify! To be on the show or find out more, visit earsnacks.org Support Ear Snacks at: http://patreon.com/earsnacks Check out our hilarious and heart-warming music for kids on Spotify or YouTube. Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok! PS... our favorite Halloween joke is definitely this one. Knock knock. Who's there? Moo! (A cow ghost)

Little Bitta Joy
You know what we did at our house this week? We had a dance party. We turned on some of our favorite music and we jumped around our house, all together. And we smiled. So this week on Ear Snacks we want to play some moments and music from the show that might bring a smile to your face. Today is different than yesterday. And tomorrow is going to be different than today. But we wanted to let you know that we're here today, and we know you are too. Ear Snacks is a free interactive experience centered around children’s voices & ideas. To support the work we’re doing for your kids (and all kids), become a supporter on Patreon or through Apple Podcasts Premium Subscription feature. Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

The Notorious RBG
Dissenters everywhere! Join us in wishing Ruth Bader Ginsburg a very happy 87th birthday! Andrew & Polly find some exceptionally aware kids to go on at length about the Supreme Court and it’s most Notorious justice, along with a new single from the Joanie Leeds joint All the Ladies entitled (you guessed it) “RBG” To find out more or to be on the show, visit www.earsnacks.org Ear Snacks is a free interactive experience centered around children’s voices & ideas. To support the work we’re doing for your kids (and all kids), become a supporter on Patreon or through Apple Podcasts Premium Subscription feature. Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Pi + Pie with America’s Test Kitchen Kids
WHAT IS PIE? What about pi? Can I have 3.1415 pieces, please? Pre-heat your International Pi Day festivities! Andrew & Polly get granular with Molly Birnbaum from America’s Test Kitchen Kids who does all kinds of fascinating kitchen experiments and games on her new kids podcast, Mystery Recipe. Find more at ATKkids.com/mysteryrecipe and earsnacks.org — we hope family time can be filled with fun and learning and good food as we weather social distancing together!

The U.S. Census (it’s a party, and you’re invited!)
What's a census? Andrew & Polly dig in with special guests Vicki Glazer from the U.S. Census Bureau and Emily McMillan with the Statistics in Schools program that's hitting classrooms across America next week. Next month, everyone will get a postcard in the mail -- it's your invitation to the party that is the next decade of America...RSVP so they bring enough forks! Visit https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis.html to help your school support democracy!

S2 Ep 26Musical Time - It’s called Tempo!
Come play around with the speed of music! This episode is designed for kids to experiment with the playback speed function on most podcast players, inviting them to adjust the speed of the our music & conversation from 1x to 2x to 1/2x. We introduce the basics of musical tempo, figure out how to tap along to Parry Gripp’s pleasantly danceable 136 bpm tune Pancake Robot, and wonder why super-slow-moving things always find themselves in a molasses analogy. Find out more at www.earsnacks.org

S2 Ep 25Time: How Time Feels with Story Pirates & The Pop Ups
Do you want 5 more minutes? In our third episode about clocks, Andrew & Polly ask kids how rushing and waiting feel different, challenge Jason Rabinowitz of The Pop Ups to a clock scavenger hunt around Brooklyn, and spin some yarns with Story Pirates co-founder Lee Overtree about how time feels when you're in a story. Thanks to Gimlete Media, The Story Piates, and The Pop Ups for sharing their rad music and ideas. To find out more, visit: www.storypirates.com www.thepopups.com www.earsnacks.org

Grammy Nominated Kids’ Music: Alphabet Rockers (62nd Grammy Awards)
Alphabet Rockers make music to make change. Their 2nd Grammy-nominated album "The Love" addresses issues of identity, world news, and politics — the conversation and music you’re about to hear will include those topics. Thanks to Alphabet Rockers for sharing their music and ideas with your family. You can find more about their podcast So Get Me, The Butterfly Effect at alphabetrockers.com