Ear Snacks Podcast for Kids

Andrew & Polly think about winter festivals with kids around the world, interview PJ Library about Hanukkah, and sing a holiday song!

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

Andrew & Polly's Bad Guy game continues! When they can't figure out WHY they are having fun scaring fish and serving them their least favorite foods, they call up a "Bad Doctor" to find out! Dr. Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center tells us about what brains have to do with Bad Guys & Superheroes. We're looking for more friends to share what they know! To find out more or be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

What's a "bad guy?" Is it fun to pretend to be one? (When is it not fun?) Andrew & Polly model conflict in play, learn how to talk like a villain from voice actor Morla Gorrondona, and ask kids what they know about "bad guys!" To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

What's a disguises? (How is it different from a costume?) Andrew & Polly solve a mystery for forlorn giraffes Kevin & Lousie, learn how to disguise their voices with voice actor Greg Chun, and explore the link between evolution and animal disguises (crypsis &  camouflage) with CalAcademy's Rebecca Johnson! And as always, we ask our friends what they know about...DISGUISES! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

We got a whole lot of chickens. Andrew & Polly celebrate the birthday of one of their heroes by asking their friends one of life's eternal questions: what's a muppet? To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

Ahoy, matey! How cold are yer timbers? Andrew & Polly ask some friends about the steps to talking like a pirate, sprinkled in with some historical pirate factoids and Andrew's dad shares buccaneer tales from Post Office Bay in the Galapagos Islands. To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

What's the best treat of all-time?   From the food science of sugar rushes to the bellies of hungry musicians, Andrew & Polly ask their friends what makes a good treat. Sensory scientist Dr. Sara Yang explains how people evolved to think about food, why we like what we like, and how we make our decisions. Then Koo Koo's Brian and Neil expound on the virtues of sheet cake, old-fashioned donuts and ice cold lemonade. Thanks to our friends Elias, Bodin, Madelyn and Monk for sharing what they know about treats! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

What do la clave, the difference between public and private, and two giraffes have in common? In this sneaky episode of Ear Snacks, Andrew & Polly learn about the rhythms of Cuban music with Martina Castro (producer of The Vivo Songbook), and then explore the ideas behind artist Paul Ramirez Jonas' project Key to the City (involving 10,000 keys!) Oh - and Kevin & Louise try to crack Andrew & Polly's gate code to leave them some peppermint. To learn more about Ear Snacks or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

Meep meep! What's a cartoon? New Yorker cartoonist Tom Toro (Home Free, Back to School Backpack) talks cartoons of all shapes and sizes on this episode of  Ear Snacks! Andrew & Polly avoid anvils, consider political cartoons, think about how it feels to STOP watching your favorite stories, and sing a brand new song by Eilis Cahill. Thanks for listening! A big thank you to Leo, Solomon, Hannah, Seamus, Leon, Waylan and Izzy — and their parents — for sharing what they know about cartoons. To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Calling all voices! High or low, fast or slow, pool party-ing or quiet afternoon book nook-ing, we have the songs for you! Every so often, we like to step back and shine the spotlight on the amazing creators we know making incredible art for families. Here are the handful of lovely tunes we could squeeze into a podcast episode, but please find out Midsummer Mixtape on Spotify for more upbeat & chilled out summer music recommendations: Party by Heather Feather feat. Itty Bitty Beats, Preschool Rockstars, and Esther Crow A New Cinderella by Megan Piphus  Fam Bam Boogie by Mista Cookie Jar feat. Father Goose, Divinity Roxx, Pierce Freelon, Lucy Kalantari, Aaron Nigel Smith, Snooknuk, Jabali Afrika, and 1 Tribe Collective Harmony by Fyütch and Aura V feat. Divinity Roxx I Run with My Heart (Fatuma’s Song) by Flor Bromley feat. Jabali Afrika Tiny (Chiquito) by Teacher Peter Families Belong by Noodle Loaf (Dan Saks) Why Do People Go? by Mega Ran feat. Kimya Dawson What My Body Needs by Sara Rogers Fly, Shine, Soar by 123 Andrés feat. Little Miss Ann Please support these generous, talented musicians by following them and sharing what you love! To lear more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

Make some soap! Make some thought bubbles! Think thoughts about making soap! Andrew & Polly bubble up some summery crafts & imagination activities in this episode of Ear Snacks.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

Ding dong! For Disability Pride Month, Andrew & Polly wax poetic about bells and blindness with Country of the Blind author Andrew Leland and visit an enormous percussion warehouse with LAPR’s Abby Savell.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

Happy 10th Birthday, Ear Snacks! To celebrate, should we release Song from the Podcast Vol. 2??? In this musical mixtape, Andrew & Polly share some unreleased songs written for the podcast over the decade.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Happy Birthday, Ear Snacks!  10 years ago this July, we started this bonkers idea. Our music had started reaching kids all over the world , but with our growing family, we didn't get to sing with them very often...but what if we could make a show *with* them? This is that show. So today on Ear Snacks, we want to share our very first episode "Fruit!"  - it's still one of the grapes ! Whether you've been listening from the beginning or are hearing this for the very first time, we hope you find it delicious.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Otters! Nudibranchs! Seahorses! Oh my! Andrew & Polly celebrate Aquarium Appreciation Month with kids, scientists and enthusiasts alike.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Celebrate Juneteenth with GRAMMY-nominated family music from All One Tribe!

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Polly goes to Fiddle Camp, violinist Katie Buckbee and her son Archer expound on their love of bluegrass, and our pal Eddie Berman introduce us to his 5-string banjo. A bit of ear training on Ear Snacks! (And we use "fiddling" as a model for ways of learning by doing.) We're getting ready for the 10th year of Ear Snacks, and we can't make this show without you! Parents around the world have shared their children's voices & ideas with us, and we love building inspirational, educational, fun shows centered around them. To find out more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Mustaches! Gender! Silliness! Andrew & Polly, young children, and director of ”Mama Has a Mustache” Sally Rubin wonder about the funny hairs that can grow out of faces.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

(Hello! We're excited to make more music and podcasts for & with you in 2025! Meanwhile, enjoy these holiday-themed episode remixes -- and thanks for listening!) Happy Happy Holidays! Let these completely original family-music tunes light up your holidays, road trips and 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 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. OR you can always leave us a 5-star rating & review for free. Or just tell a friend about this great show your family likes? Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

(Hello! We're excited to make more music and podcasts for & with you in 2025! Meanwhile, enjoy these holiday-themed episode remixes -- and thanks for listening!) Andrew & Polly talk about BOXES in a special interview with Antoinette Portis, author of Not a Box. This episode also highlights The Box Project with Eliza Gregory - and, of course, thanks to our kid experts: Ruslan, Gavin, Manny, Charlie, Penny, Ainsley, Liliana, Lane, Guy, Grey, Sadie & William. Oh - and this episode was the first time we released our modern holiday-adjacent classic, Thank You for the Box! 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. OR you can always leave us a 5-star rating & review for free. Or just tell a friend about this great show your family likes? Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

(Hello! We're excited to make more music and podcasts for & with you in 2025! Meanwhile, enjoy these holiday-themed episode remixes -- and thanks for listening!) 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. 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. OR you can always leave us a 5-star rating & review for free. Or just tell a friend about this great show your family likes? Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

(Hello! We're excited to make more music and podcasts for & with you in 2025! Meanwhile, enjoy these holiday-themed episode remixes -- and thanks for listening!) Celebrate the winter solstice by exploring the darkest depths of the ocean with marine biologist and self-proclaimed 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 shining your beautiful inner lights wherever you are! 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. OR you can always leave us a 5-star rating & review for free. Or just tell a friend about this great show your family likes? Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

(Hello! We're excited to make more music and podcasts for & with you in 2025! Meanwhile, enjoy these holiday-themed episode remixes -- and thanks for listening!) Andrew & Polly think about how to stay warm in the winter with some of our favorite family holiday tunes. For more great episodes on the holidays, check out these episodes about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, our most favoritest family holiday music playlist and lights in the ocean! Thanks to Sara Louise Callaway from The Music Box and the one and only Mista Cookie Jar. 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. 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. OR you can always leave us a 5-star rating & review for free. Or just tell a friend about this great show your family likes? Thanks for listening! Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok!

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

Hey Texas! Andrew & Polly are SUPER-excited to finally perform in you! We're taking the stage at Austin City Limits / Austin Kiddie Limits this Friday and Saturday, October 4th & 5th, at 12:30p. Awesome band? GRAMMY-nominated music? Double check. Enough shakers, stickers & bubbles to share? Check, check, check! The good people of ACL are bringing some amazing live acts for all ages along with crafts, activities & snacks to support a full day of rocking and rolling -- so come sing & dance with us? Or tell a friend who can? Thank you for any way you can support family musicians these days, so we can keep making good stuff for your kids - and all kids!

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

Kick off your summer with new bops and classic tunes about translucent spectra! Here’s just a taste of the songs you’ll discover on our Spotify playlist, Songs About Rainbows 🌈: Sing a Rainbow by Peggy Lee Cry a Rainbow by Pierce Freelon & Nnenna Freelon Rainbowland by Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton Rainbow Seekers by Ants on a Log Rainbow Shoppe by Andrew & Polly feat. Lucy Kalantari Rainbow World by Claudia Robin Gun Over the Rainbow by Dan Zanes Parents - please help support these amazing independent family music artists! To support Pierce Freelon's plant-based space ice cream, visit the Coco Fro kickstarter ending soon! To find their brand new Rainbow Seekers album, tour + musical, visit Ants on a Log! And hooray for our pal Lucy Kalantari's first Spanish language album, Creciendo! We're making more great episodes for hungry ears this summer - to learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

Metamorphic caterpillars! Fungus farming ants! Digital bees? Oh my! -- how can these all be bugs? In this episode, Avery talks about bugs in computer code and how she built a pollination video game with a Raspberry Pi. Izaiah updates us about the worms in the compost pile on his farm. And our friends at Valle de Niños in San Francisco take us on a tour of the life cycle of caterpillars. (Entomolgist Chris Wheeler also gets some words in edge-wise1)

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2024

What IS a CRITTER? Andrew & Polly ask some friends around the world about the different critters that live in their neighborhoods. 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!

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2024

An interview with a mermaid scientist!!! This Earth Week remix 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!

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

Happy Earth Week! What has 3 trillion trees and one kid named after a birch tree? Andrew & Polly's family tree has (at least!) 3 tree experts who give us just the tiniest glimpse into the wonder of all things arboreal. Thanks to Bay Area-based Plant Stars and Oakland Aesthetics for sharing what they love! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

What do you see during an eclipse? What does it feel like? What does it sound like? In 2017, we asked kids and families living in the path of totality to record their experience of the Great American Eclipse. If you're getting ready for the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024 that will stretch from Texas to Maine, check this out! More awesome eclipse- and science-related listening goodness, including… Our episode about Shadows where Mat Kaplan from Planetary Radio explains how eclipses are space shadows! Our first Eclipse episode in 2017 featuring more great science and history stories about eclipses from our Kids Listen friends Mick Sullivan at The Past & The Curious and Molly Bloom at Brains On! There’s also a brand new Eclipse MUSICAL out now by Alphabet Rockers You can hear their song Syzygy and more mind-expanding bops on our Spotify Playlist: Science Class Soundtrack! Ear Snacks is a podcast about art, music, science and culture centered around kids voices and ideas – if you know a kid with things to say, let us know! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org  Are we still going to be podcasting during the next total solar eclipse in 2045? 🙂

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

Why ARE there so many songs about rainbows? Because there's SO MUCH TO SAY about them! Happy Holi! Andrew & Polly act as the prism for some awesome tangential concepts connected to ROY G BIV. Jazz piansit Charu Suri shares the connection between raga (Sanskrit for "color" or "dye") and the aura of music, as well as her love of the mischievously vibrant paint-throwing Festival of Colors, Holi! And Nina Silver takes us on a guided unpacking of flood myths and rainbows as symbols of hope in a sonically rich imagining of Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center. In this episode, you'll hear: Rainbow Shoppe by Andrew & Polly (feat. Lucy Kalantari) Bourbon Street Stroll (Raga Hemant) by Charu Suri from Rags & Ragas Aaj Rang Hai (Today There is Color) by Charu Suri from The Book of Ragas (Vol. 2) additional underscore by Andrew & Polly You can hear more colorful bops on our Spotify Playlist: Songs About Rainbows 🌈 Many thanks to Charu, Nina, and our friends Adrian, Stella Rose, Townes, and Tenny (and their parents & siblings) for sharing what they know about rainbows! If you know a kid who has something to say (spoiler alert: they all do!), to learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2024

Do you ever make things in your house? Do you ever use YARN? Unwind the knotty world of knitting, coziness, and monster design with our friends Lilah, Gertie, Dot, and Andy Ferguson a.k.a. musician & puppeteer, Red Yarn! Andy shares a paper bag craft, using pantomime to create new puppetry characters, and how crafting can contribute to protest movements. Our pal Angela Diveglia shares about her time working with Bread and Puppet Theater and the giant protest puppets they've used in civic engagement since the 60's. Many thanks to Andy Ferguson for sharing his artistry and Red Yarn's song, Town Hall Meeting. You can find more of his music and puppetry at redyarnproductions.com. Thanks to librarian Angela Diveglia for hopping on the phone with old college friends to talk about her super-inspiring work (and muscles!) with Bread and Puppet Theater Company. If you're in Vermont, look 'em up! Vocabulary & Ideas in this episode include: Twizzle Pantomime Collaborate Protest puppetry To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2024

Do all hearts beat the same? We don’t know…unless we listen to them. With the help of four well-informed hummingbirds and renowned muralist Ruben Rojas, Andrew & Polly explore what they know about hearts – biological and metaphorical! Our friends Maya, Anders, Jackson, and Emmet share about how their hearts feel when they give and receive Valentines. And Polly shares about the little robot in her chest (her pacemaker-defibrillator) and the way it keeps her heart dancing to a steady beat. Many thanks to artist, muralist, designer, entrepreneur and podcaster Ruben Rojas for talking with us. His podcast explores the emotional journeys of artists, athletes and other creators seeking to Live Through Love. You can find more of Reuben’s work at rubenrojas.com – or if you walk around, you might just find it on GIANT WALLS. And thanks to Fyütch + Aura V for sharing their new single, I AM LOVE, I AM LIGHT, available wherever you get your affirmational bops! Vocabulary & Ideas in this episode include: Stethoscope Animal heart rates Aorta! Atrium! Ventricle! Arrhythmia Pacemaker-defibrillator Mural Electro-pounce Thanks to EVERYPLATE for sponsoring Ear Sncaks. Go to everyplate.com/podcast and enter code 49earsnacks for $1.49 per meal + $1 steaks for life. Subscription must be active to qualify and redeem $1 steak. Need more snacks? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok! To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2024

Guest host extraordinaire Carly Ciarrocchi introduces you to the GRAMMY®-nominated artists for Best Children's Music Album in 2024: DJ Willy Wow! for HIP-HOPE FOR KIDS! 123 Andrés for WE GROW TOGETHER: PRESCHOOL SONGS Andrew & Polly for AHHHHH! Uncle Jumbo for TASTE THE SKY Pierce Freelon and Nnenna Freelon for ANCESTARS Congratulations to all the nominees for the 66th GRAMMY Awards! We hope you'll follow these artists and support their work! @djwillywow @123conandres @andrewandpolly @hellounclehumbo @piercefreelon @nnennafreelon There is so much amazing music being made for families right now, and it's hard work - do your part and share what you love! To learn more about Ear Snacks or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2024

Ding ding! Andrew & Polly explore a world of bell sounds and sensations guided by blind author Andrew Leland and percussionist Abby Savell. Kora, Nora, Hazel, Max, Fortney and Berlin think about the use of bells in mindfulness and meditation, around the necks of cats and cows, and the language of fairies. Topics include the physics of sound, the spectrum of blindness, the British punk band Wire, and a vast array of bells including: Almglocken, Bell Trees, Bicycle Bells, Camel Bells, Cat Bells, Chimes, Church Bells, Cow Bells, Door Bells, Elephant Bells, Hand Bells, Microtonal Bells, Orchestral Bells, Sleigh Bells, Ship Bells, Telephone Bells, Tubular Bells and more! Many thanks to North American mammal and author Andrew Leland whose book helped us share about visual impairment, parenting with a disability, the spectrum of blindness and disabilities, and the importance of language regarding inclusion. The Country of the Blind is available wherever you get your books. Thanks to Abby Savell of L.A. Percussion Rentals for generously touring us around her cornucopia of over 1300+ percussion instruments available to rent for live and studio music productions in Southern California. This episode features "The Finest Drops" from A Bell is a Cup by Wire and original underscore by GRAMMY-nominated musicians, Andrew & Polly. Thanks to EVERYPLATE for sponsoring Ear Sncaks. Go to everyplate.com/podcast and enter code 49earsnacks for $1.49 per meal + $1 steaks for life. Subscription must be active to qualify and redeem $1 steak.

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2023

Fun and funny songs to inspire the next generation of scientists! On this episode, we're sharing the growing-things (biology) part of our Spotify playlist Science Class Soundtrack featuring these radically thoughtful artists: The Scientific Method by Andrew & Polly feat. Mista Cookie Jar The Dichotomous Key by Billy Kelly & Molly Ledford Trees by Ozomatli Presents Ozokids Micro Biome by Formidable Vegetable Little Mushroom by Pierce Freelon & Nnenna Freelon The Mycelium Underground News by the Okee Dokee Brothers Why is Fruit Fruit? by Andrew & Polly  We hope you love these tunes, sing them to people who need this information, and support these artists. We've been sharing music from our friends in celebration of our new album, "Ahhhhh!" - songs that empower kids to take on tough stuff by helping them think, feel and sometimes even SHOUT their way through challenges. To find out more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2023

Wheeeee! How do slides work? What makes something slippery? And what happens when one person wants to go down a slide and another person wants to go up? Andrew & Polly think about the physics of playgrounds, sledding, trombones, and outer space. Our friends Oscar, Alexis, Calvin, Monroe, Tenney, Ainsley, and aerospace engineer Frankie help us make friends with gravity and friction. Plus we turn a playground structure into a percussion instrument. You can hear the full version of the song featured at the end of the episode “The Scientific Method” (feat. Mista Cookie Jar) on Andrew & Polly’s GRAMMY-nominated album “Ahhhhh!” wherever your get your music. Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks! Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/earsnacks

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2023

On this episode of Ear Snacks, Andrew & Polly play some of their favorite songs from family music artists about BIG feelings -- and how it's okay to notice them and be with them for a while. This is just a small selection of the great music made for kids we're curating on Spotify playlists, so check 'em out! On this episode of Ear Snacks, you'll hear: Tiger in a Hammock by You and Us Wild Thing by Hot Toast Music Company Let's Get Mad by Andrew & Polly feat. Alphabet Rockers Let It Out by Mills Trills feat. Augie Dungey No Nap Today by Flor Bromley Grandma Told Me by Makayla Malaka Everybody Needs to Cry by Strawbitty Yops Like a Bubble by Andrew & Polly feat. Mista Cookie Jar We hope you love these tunes, sing them at the top of your lungs, and support these artists. We've been sharing music from our friends in celebration of our new album, "Ahhhhh!" - songs that empower kids to take on tough stuff by helping them think, feel and sometimes even SHOUT their way through challenges. To find out more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2023

When you need a little pep talk, these songs will reassure you - you can do it! We're celebrating our new album “AHHHHH!” by playing our new songs along with awesome songs from some other amazing family music artists – all about positive self-talk. Worthy Mantra by Tiptoe Giants Soy Yo by Bomba Estereo Powerful, Wonderful by Andrew & Polly (feat. Raye Zaragoza) Smardi Gras by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo I Am Enough by Miss Julieann & Propel Schools Performing Arts Academy I Can Do It! by Kath Bee (feat. Suzy Cato) Affirmation Interlude by Lavender Blues Tiny Dino by Andrew & Polly What Book? by Ants on a Log The Knowing by Ani DiFranco We hope you’ll follow and support their work – and find these songs and more rad music like this on our "I Can Do It!" Spotify Playlist.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

Today on Ear Snacks we're celebrating our new album “AHHHHH!” by playing our new songs along with awesome songs from some other amazing family music artists – all about joy and resilience. Resilience is that thing kids need to help them get through tough stuff, and allowing joyfulness is one of the ways we can fill our tanks when we're feeling on empty. So get ready to bounce - and practice how to bounce back! Many thanks to these awesome music-makers for sharing their songs: All We Can Be by Kendall Glitter Off the Paper by Uncle Jumbo @hellouncleumbo Rainbow Shoppe by Andrew & Polly feat. Lucy Kalantari @lucytoon Help You Do the Work by Pierce Freelon @piercefreelon & Nnenna Freelon @nnennafrelon feat. Jarrett Johnson @jarrettamjohnson Little Grey Cloud (It’s OK to Cry) by Benny Time @bennytimemusic feat. Claudia Robin Guynn, Eastcoast Inspirational Singers @EastcoastInspirationalSingers I’ve Got a Problem (Ahhhhh!) by Andrew & Polly feat. Kristin Andreassen @thebrightsidersmusic We Feel It by Alphabet Rockers @alphabetrockers Hope is a Verb by Claudia Robin Gunn @claudiarobingunn We hope you’ll follow and support their work – and find these songs and more rad music like this on our Joy & Resilience playlist on Spotify. We hope these bops brighten your day!

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2023

New Yorker cartoonist Tom Toro (Home Free, Back to School Backpack) talks cartoons of all shapes and sizes on this episode of  Ear Snacks! Andrew & Polly avoid anvils, consider political cartoons, think about how it feels to STOP watching your favorite stories, and sing a brand new song by Eilis Cahill. Thanks for listening! A big thank you to Leo, Solomon, Hannah, Seamus, Leon, Waylan and Izzy — and their parents — for sharing what they know about cartoons. To learn more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/earsnacks

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2023

Sloths on motorcycles. Stereo sound. Ball bearings left over from WWII. We're talking about Moves, people. Independent ride operator Bruce Perlman talks about how he got into the carnival industry, how his friend Sergio designs gigantic moving attractions, and how boats and 22-wheelers move these carnival rides from place to place. Ramona, Hank, Willa, Colin, Bella, Desmond, and Charlie also make their Ear Snacks debut pondering what they know about movement.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2023

Math and art intersect in this super-fun episode of Ear Snacks! Andrew & Polly invent awesome shape games with author illustrator Carter Higgins, who shares about her awesome book Circle Under Berry and our friends Emmet, Milena, Phoenix and Gertie dish on things with more than three sides. For more information or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2023

Put these hot beats in your hot feets! Ear Snacks is back and Andrew & Polly are sharing some of the sunniest, most funniest tunes for your family to enjoy. Feast your ears on: Ear Snacks Summer Mixtape 2023 “Rainbow Shoppe” by Andrew & Polly feat. Lucy Kalantari “Be You You You” by Uncle Jumbo “Start the Discussion” by Esther Crow feat. Strawbitty Yops “Beautiful You” by Mista Cookie Jar feat. Fyütch, Genevieve Goings, Orbit Dean “ABC You A G” by Nnenna & Pierce Freelon feat. Stella Freelon “Sunflower (Kindness Grows)”by Claudia Robin Gunn & Itty Bitty Beats “So Many Ways” by Little Miss Ann feat. Uncle Jumbo Please follow, share and support the work of these amazing musicians! To find out more or be on the show, visit earsnacks.org! Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Go to Shopify.com/earsnacks for a FREE trial.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2023

Are you human? Meet the 90 trillion non-human friends that each one of us carries around every day (plus a couple of goats) with one of our new music friends from down under, Formidable Vegetable's Charlie Mgee. Charlie's music and ideas take us on a journey to consider our relationship to the environment and think about how to be a good friend to the whole world. 100 trillion thanks to Charlie Mgee for popping back on the grid to speak with us and sharing 3 songs from their most recent album "Garbage Guts"! To find out more about Formidable Vegetable's music and permaculture activism, visit https://formidablevegetable.com.au/ To find out more about Ear Snacks or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2023

GRAMMY-Award-Winning Artists, Alphabet Rockers, join us in a heart-centering conversation about feeling alone. Along with friends Harlow, Alex, Miles, Maya, Jacob & Isabel we think a more about friendship and the vocabulary around sharing and noticing alone feelings. Many many thanks to Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd of Alphabet Rockers. On this episode you heard two of their songs - "You are Not Alone" which is a song AND NOW A BOOK! Their song "Get You a Friend" is on their new GRAMMY-Award-Winning Album, The Movement. On this show you heard their thoughts and their art and now you need to go hear more of their music and get their book and support their work at alphabetrockers.com.  For more or to be on the show, visit earsnacks.org. Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/earsnacks

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2023

Get to know some of the family music artists nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY Award for Best Children’s Album: Divinity Roxx from NYC (@diviroxx and @diviroxxkids) plays bass for Beyoncé, writes children’s books, and loves mini-kayaking adventures. She shared “Be Yourself” from her GRAMMY-nominated album “Ready, Set, Go!” Justin Roberts from Evanston, IL (@justiroberts) plays pinball, complex faming-based board games, writes children’s books illustrated by Christian Robinson, and advocates for musicians rights. He shared “I Have Been a Unicorn” from his GRAMMY-nominated album “Space Cadet” Alphabet Rockers from Oakland, CA (@alphabetrockets) contain multitudes. We’ve shared their community-based social justice projects The butterfly Effect and We Got Work To Do on the show, and their children’s book You Are Not Alone features in an upcoming episode of Ear Snacks about friendship and loneliness. They shared “Our Turn” from their GRAMMY-nominated album “The Movement” Wendy and DB from Chicago, IL (@wendyandDB) work with and fundraise for the Chicago blues community, organize community art projects, and yes – eat tuna on crackers. They shared “If I Had a Hammer” from their GRAMMY-nominated album “Into the Little Blue House” We hope this playlist piques your family’s interest in the awesome artistry at work in the children’s genre and that you take the time to explore the work of these generous guests! Ear Snacks is made by Andrew & Polly. To find out more or to be on the show, visit earnacks.org - and thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2023

Who are your friends? How do people become friends? Can *we* be friends? On this episode of Ear Snacks, Andrew & Polly and their friends contemplate the nature of friendship. We also squawk on our parrot phone to call children’s author Helena Ku Rhee (The Paper Kingdom) about her experience making friends as she grew up in a multilingual apartment complex in Los Angeles, the basis of her 2022 picture book Rosa’s Song illustrated by Pascal Campion. Many thanks to our friends Harlow, Elijah, Maya, Alex, Miles, Isabel (and their parents!) for sharing what they know about friends with us. For more information or to be on the show, please visit earsnacks.org Thanks to Shopify for supporting Ear Snacks. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/earsnacks

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2023