It can take a lot to calm down a tired baby. Since the beginning of time parents have struggled to get their children to go to sleep. I'm tired. Really tired, and I was so lucky to have this conversation with Angela James to make my day better. Angela James' album "Quiet Night'",which is a collection of lullabies made for weary parents by weary parents. It is a beautiful and carefully crafted album inspired by James' own experiences as a new mother and with battling postpartum depression.' "What...
Oct 07, 2019•39 min
Lissa Schneckenburger has put out an incredibly personal and important record. It's called 'Thunder In My Arms' and it tells a story of adoption and foster children. She uses her music to communicate her very real experience. I will admit that talking to Lissa was very emotional for me. I greatly admire her strength and dedication to her child and the time and care that went into her song writing process. Please support Lissa and other parents who give so much of themselves to help kids who need...
Oct 01, 2019•45 min
What's similar about the amazing combo of peanut butter and raisins on celery, and a science teacher and music therapist making music for kids? Well, both equations end up in something tasty! Ants on a Log!!!!!!!! As you know there was a Climate Change Walkout last week, and I know that my friends Julie and Anya are mega supporters of bringing awareness to that very important issue. In fact, their latest album, 'Curious: Think Outside The Pipeline', is a funny climate action musical for kids and...
Sep 23, 2019•37 min
Skinnamarink! It was an honor to speak with Sharon & Bram on the occasion of, well, everything! There is so much depth and history to their story and I just loved listening to them share their wisdom and experiences. "Before there was Dora, Nickelodeon introduced the trio Sharon, Lois & Bram and their Elephant Show to American TV viewers, and, later on, even more families became fans by watching them on Skinnamarink TV on TLC. Decade after decade of enthusiastic live audiences and treasu...
Sep 09, 2019•34 min
Earworms! Ya know, those songs that get stuck in your head? Well, Sean McCollough knows all about them! Sean is a radio host for the KidStuff Show on WDVX and you know what that means? He's certified and bonafied! He knows his music and it was a blast to talk to him about all of his experiences in the music world. "Sean McCollough has been entertaining and educating families and school groups with his energetic shows since the mid-90s. He has been compared to Pete Seeger and John McCutcheon for ...
Sep 05, 2019•36 min
“These songs come from a place of exhaustion, bewilderment and pure love,” says Nashville-based singer/songwriter Dawn Landes of My Tiny Twilight, a six-song collection out May 10 on Yep Roc Records. “I found myself singing to my daughter constantly to soothe her, entertain her, and pass the time, says Landes. “The first song I wrote was “Hushabye.” I couldn’t get her to stop crying so I sat at the piano and played until she quieted down. She responded to the melody and it became pretty useful i...
Aug 30, 2019•26 min
"Alina Celeste's music is creative, joyous, and eclectic, much like her hometown, Miami, Florida. As a child, she thrived in a multi-cultural, multi-generational environment that held no reservations about the phrase "I love you ... Te quiero." Be sure to check out her song 'Love Is', which is the title track of the album at the end of the show! As Alina explains, "After living in Los Angeles and touring America for the better part of a decade, when I moved back to Miami, I realized how much my ...
Aug 26, 2019•33 min
Where is the intersection of small business, interior decorating, competitive and award winning baking, fudge, being a dog adopter, and writer? Well, I'm glad you asked... It's Sherri Schwartz! And she's on the Good Stuff Kids Podcast. She shares her story of dog adoption and the book that she wrote about the experience in her book "Are You Love?" and ALMOST convinces me that the Good Stuff Family is ready for a puppy. You can get Sherri's book wherever you get your books. As Sherri says, "it's ...
Aug 23, 2019•25 min
Renee Stahl continues to give parents and kids great music to have as the soundtrack of their lives. "Renee Stahl returns to sing with a stellar ensemble of musical friends for her second Renee & Friends album, Kindred, set for release on April 12, 2019. Kindred is an exquisitely nuanced masterpiece of effervescent reflections, messages of kindness, empowerment, and community, and, above all, impeccable standards of singing and playing music. The album sparkles with contributions from such l...
Aug 20, 2019•31 min
The Shazzbots are an "Intergalactic rock band and champions of music, art and all things creative, blast off for adventure in their Space Winnebago, to spread their rockin’ tunes to all the children of the cosmos! For over 10 years, The Shazzbots have been entertaining kiddos and parents of all ages with their unique brand of music, adventure and fun!" I got to talk to Ian, The Captain, about the Shazzbots and the music they make as well as their Emmy winning television show! Make sure you check...
Aug 15, 2019•38 min
"Andy Gutman is a songwriter, children's book author and businessman in the metro-Detroit area. His love of books, reading and writing began early on. He'll tell you he's not a musician, but he has a passion for songwriting. When he was young he would jot down lyrics in journals and then set the journal aside, not certain what, if anything, he would do with them. As they sat collecting dust, he pursued a career in finance and commercial real estate. Although he puts in long hours on the job, he'...
Aug 12, 2019•31 min
Diversity, Multi-Culturalism, Acceptance! That’s just a small part of the message from Australia’s own The Cuddly Koalas. They are also helping young hip hop fans talk about their emotions. We got into talking about Hip Hop and how it can reach all audiences. Q-Tip, if you’re listening, we love you!! The Cuddly Koalas are a famiily affair, so be sure to listen in and check out their song ‘Feelings’, which is a partnership with Kids Helpline. Continue reading Episode #212 – The Cuddly Koalas on t...
Aug 08, 2019•30 min
Dana and I had a great chat on the Good Stuff Hotline. She shared her passion and enthusiasm for creating high quality content for kids. You can hear it in her music and see it in the video series that she makes. Check out her youtube channel! Quality galore! She also teaches classes, and records music. Be sure to check out her song 'Jump and Jive' at the end of the episode. "CHILD magazine calls her energy and enthusiasm “contagious” and named Dana as one of the “Top Five Kids’ Singers You Shou...
Aug 06, 2019•37 min
The multi-talented Craig Pomranz joins me to talk about his book, Made By Raffi, and so much more! Inspired by a true-life incident, Made By Raffi is the story of a little boy who likes to knit and sew -- at first he is teased for his hobby, but in the end he becomes a hero to his class. Recently released in Chinese and Korean the Made by Raffi is now published in 8 languages and 11 countries so far by UK publishers Frances Lincoln. Award-winning artist Margaret Chamberlain is the illustrator. C...
Jul 30, 2019•23 min
Derek McKinley and I immediately became best friends as we started talking. We covered all kinds of topics like Japan, skiing, teaching, and of course the music that Derek makes. Derek cares for children and children's rights as well as the environment and his music reflects that! "The main goal of Sing Song Party Time is to provide fun and creative children’s music with an emphasis on healthy living and environmental awareness so that children will feel empowered to live full and happy lives." ...
Jul 25, 2019•33 min
Ethan Berlin has contributed in many different ways to the world of Kids Media. He's made apps, he's worked on TV Shows, he's the voice of L.I.S.A from the Pants on Fire Podcast, hosts a public access show for kids, and he's also an author. I had the opportunity to meet and work with Ethan, and I knew that he would be a perfect guest for the Good Stuff Kids Podcast. After all, he makes funny stuff for kids, and we all need more funny stuff in our lives. Got something that you think is good stuff...
Jul 22, 2019•36 min
This one is a blast of fun and joy! Mr. Tommy and I hit it off right away and we had an awesome conversation as he set up for his concert at the Florida State Fair. He even sang me a song! "Mr. Tommy, Tommy Girvin, is a dynamic performer, entertainer, author & educator with 35+ years of experience as a touring rock musician and musical director with the famous rock singer Eddie Money. Mr. Tommy’s mission is to bring children joy, encourage imagination & creativity and build self-esteem t...
Jul 17, 2019•38 min
Funky Farms and Martians! It's all fair game for Beth Jean and her music that is so perfect for families. "Beth Jean's knack for writing catchy, clever songs is enriched with her memorable style and talent of creating lively sets for various media that makes for a unique niche in today's children's market. Her DIY spirit has allowed her to produce an unforgettable world of sparkling images, hooky tunes and family friendly sketches." Sparkles galore! Unicorns! Continue reading Episode #206 – Beth...
Jul 09, 2019•30 min
“Swamp Romp,” is the brand new Louisiana dance party album from Johnette and Scott . Johnette is a well-known musician and children’s book author, and Scott is a 3-time GRAMMY winning producer and A&R director at Rounder Records.” It’s a tasty gumbo of awesome music that your family will love. Johnette and Scott have created “a tasty mélange of musical styles which is reflected in these 15 child-friendly songs (mostly original; one was adapted traditional Cajun tune).” Be sure to listen to t...
Jul 02, 2019•35 min
Two Good Stuff Family favorites are back to talk about new records and so much more. I caught Lucky Diaz right before he was about to leave on tour and we talked about the Lucky Band's 'Buenos Diaz', as well as the new band name and look. We also, obviously, talked about Pee Wee's big adventure and a whole lot more. You can hear the song 'Buenos Dias' at the end of the show. "With 11 songs vibrantly arranged by GRAMMY-winning producer Dean Jones, Buenos Diaz is a bilingual celebration of family ...
Jun 28, 2019•56 min
When my kids need to chill, and they often need to chill, we put on Little Stories for Tiny People. When they don't want to sleep we put on Little Stories for Tiny People. On long car rides? Yep, Little Stories for Tiny People. It was so good to talk to Rhea Pechter, fellow podcaster and member of Kids Listen about her show and what inspires her to do the things she does. Rhea has one of the most creative shows out there. She's 100% original. Her show is "perfect for bleary-eyed parents, innovat...
Jun 24, 2019•36 min
Uncle Ty-Rone is a ventriloquist, puppeteer, and comedian who found his passion when he was young. He was so interested in being a ventriloquist that it even helped him learn how to read. Uncle Ty-Rone also does not forget where he came from and all of the people that helped him along the way. "A professional since 1994, comedian and ventriloquist Uncle Ty-Rone got his big break at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he learned how to attract and entertain large crowds. Ever since, th...
Jun 20, 2019•53 min
It's the first crossover episode between the Good Stuff Kids Podcast and Menschite: Modern Jewish Dadding. Menschite is a collection of many different authors sharing their authentic stories of fatherhood. It's for a new generation of Jewish dads who are writing new rules and re-writing some old ones… for lots of different reasons. On that note it was great to talk to KB Whirly, himself a Jewish Dad, about his brand new record 'Now That We're Home'. The record is a collection of lullabies and lo...
Jun 18, 2019•27 min
200 episodes. I’ve talked to so many incredible people who are using their talents to create art - music/books/movies/games/podcasts - for families. It’s been an honor and a genuine joy to create so many relationships with people around the world. Truly. The Good Stuff Kids Podcast has gone global. From All over the United States, to England, to Australia and New Zealand.Episode 200 features Marsha Goodman-Wood from Marsha and the Positrons. We talk science, and so much more. Marsha is the perfe...
Jun 10, 2019•41 min
Want to be a happier parent? Luckily I had a chance to talk to KJ Dell’Antonia about her book, “How To Be A Happier Parent”. I’d really like to be a happier parent, wouldn’t we all? I was so grateful for KJ’s insights and advice. “ KJ Dell’Antonia is a writer and a regular contributor to the New York Times , where she wrote and edited the Motherlode blog from 2011 until 2016 and was a contributing editor to the Well Family section from 2016-2017. Continue reading Episode #199 – KJ Dell’Antonia o...
May 24, 2019•48 min
I had the amazing opportunity to talk to Ben Rudnick. We talked about family music, the Grateful Dead, and musicals. Some of my favorite stuff! "The award-winning music of Ben Rudnick and Friends, Boston-based pioneers of the kindie music scene, has delighted families nationwide for nearly two decades. Propelled by a sonic boom of critical praise crowned by seven Parents' Choice® Awards and a John Lennon Songwriting Award." You can hear Ben's song 'A Frog Named Sam' at the end of the show. Find ...
May 21, 2019•34 min
Let's get to know Ants Ants Ants! "With stylistic nods to 1970’s era Sesame Street, School House Rock, and "The Point" by Harry Nilsson, Ants Ants Ants recalls the best elements of a fun and fanciful childhood – the thrill of knocking down a tower of blocks; the fun of imagining what your dog is thinking; a make believe world where nocturnal animals meet in the park at night to play games. Continue reading Episode #197 – Ants Ants Ants on the site....
May 15, 2019•35 min
Do you know what Toddlerbilly is? You're about to, Matt Heaton is on the show and he's got some great music to share with you and your family. Matt believes that "Music for kids can be entertaining and enjoyable for both children and their parents. This is the mandate behind Matt Heaton's kid music, a style he calls "toddlerbilly." His songs are a mix of Rockabilly, Surf, American Roots, and Irish traditional music, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a serious sense of fun." You can hear Ma...
May 10, 2019•30 min
I talked to Claudia Gunn while she was on vacation and watching the ocean in orNew Zealand. I was immensly jealous for two reasons: 1. She lives in New Zealand and 2. She was on vacation... IN NEW ZEALAND. Then it got even better. We got into talking about the music she makes for families. Her Little Wild Music project "is a little creative endeavour with a big mission: to celebrate the magic in every extraordinary day of childhood. Stay tuned all the way to the end to hear Claudia's song 'Every...
May 07, 2019•44 min
It's a double whammy! Welcome back to Mister G as well as Sonshine and Broccoli! Mister G gave me the scoop on his new album 'Fireflies' and Sonshine and Broccoli filled me in on 'It's Cool To Be Kind'. I also was able to meet Mister and Mrs. G when they came to visit Houston. They're the best! And so are Sonshine and Broccoli! Continue reading Episode #194 – Mister G / Sonshine and Broccoli on the site....
May 03, 2019•41 min
