
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this episode, we hop aboard the Culture Train and travel to the breathtaking country of Armenia. Together, we visit the peaceful little village of Ushi with children’s book author Astrid Kamalyan, explore the ancient Saint Sarkis Monastery, and discover Armenia’s towering mountains, sacred waters, and centuries-old traditions.
Along the way, we learn about Mount Aragats, Armenia’s highest point, Mount Ara, the “sleeping giant” with its healing spring water, and Mount Ararat, the mountain believed to be the landing place of Noah’s Ark. We walk up to Saint Sarkis Chapel, take in the thick stone walls that have stood for over a thousand years, and marvel at the khachkars—beautifully carved Armenian cross-stones that seem to whisper the stories of the past. Astrid also shares what it’s like to raise her children surrounded by this deep history and natural beauty, and reminds us how Armenian culture takes whatever it has and makes it beautiful.
📚 Special Guest: Astrid Kamalyan
We are so excited to have Astrid Kamalyan, author of Babo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day, as our guide for this episode!
📖 Buy Astrid’s books:
https://astridkamalyan.com/books/babo-a-tale-of-armenian-rug-washing-day/
https://astridkamalyan.com/
Follow Astrid on Instagram: @astridkamalyan
🎶 Featured Music: Miqayel Voskanyan (with Oberton Records)
We want to extend a huge thank you to Oberton Records for allowing us to feature music by Miqayel Voskanyan in this episode.
Miqayel Voskanyan is an internationally acclaimed Armenian composer and tar player who has been revolutionizing Armenian folk music by blending traditional sounds with jazz, funk, and contemporary global influences. His work introduces the soulful sound of the tar—Armenia’s signature stringed instrument—to audiences worldwide, making Armenian music fresh and accessible for a new generation.
🎧 Listen & Learn More:
YouTube Channel
Oberton Records Website
Instagram – @miqayelvoskanyan
Please check out Miqayel’s music and share it with your friends—supporting artists like him helps keep cultural traditions alive and evolving.
💛 Support Culture Kids
Culture Kids Productions is a nonprofit organization creating joyful, inclusive, and educational content for children all over the world. Our mission is to nurture curiosity, connection, and empathy—one episode at a time.
Here’s how you can help us keep the Culture Train rolling:
💛 Donate: Support Culture Kids
⭐ Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
📢 Share our show with just one friend or family member who loves to explore
Your support helps us keep Culture Kids free and accessible for families everywhere!
By Culture Kids Productions4.8
192192 ratings
In this episode, we hop aboard the Culture Train and travel to the breathtaking country of Armenia. Together, we visit the peaceful little village of Ushi with children’s book author Astrid Kamalyan, explore the ancient Saint Sarkis Monastery, and discover Armenia’s towering mountains, sacred waters, and centuries-old traditions.
Along the way, we learn about Mount Aragats, Armenia’s highest point, Mount Ara, the “sleeping giant” with its healing spring water, and Mount Ararat, the mountain believed to be the landing place of Noah’s Ark. We walk up to Saint Sarkis Chapel, take in the thick stone walls that have stood for over a thousand years, and marvel at the khachkars—beautifully carved Armenian cross-stones that seem to whisper the stories of the past. Astrid also shares what it’s like to raise her children surrounded by this deep history and natural beauty, and reminds us how Armenian culture takes whatever it has and makes it beautiful.
📚 Special Guest: Astrid Kamalyan
We are so excited to have Astrid Kamalyan, author of Babo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day, as our guide for this episode!
📖 Buy Astrid’s books:
https://astridkamalyan.com/books/babo-a-tale-of-armenian-rug-washing-day/
https://astridkamalyan.com/
Follow Astrid on Instagram: @astridkamalyan
🎶 Featured Music: Miqayel Voskanyan (with Oberton Records)
We want to extend a huge thank you to Oberton Records for allowing us to feature music by Miqayel Voskanyan in this episode.
Miqayel Voskanyan is an internationally acclaimed Armenian composer and tar player who has been revolutionizing Armenian folk music by blending traditional sounds with jazz, funk, and contemporary global influences. His work introduces the soulful sound of the tar—Armenia’s signature stringed instrument—to audiences worldwide, making Armenian music fresh and accessible for a new generation.
🎧 Listen & Learn More:
YouTube Channel
Oberton Records Website
Instagram – @miqayelvoskanyan
Please check out Miqayel’s music and share it with your friends—supporting artists like him helps keep cultural traditions alive and evolving.
💛 Support Culture Kids
Culture Kids Productions is a nonprofit organization creating joyful, inclusive, and educational content for children all over the world. Our mission is to nurture curiosity, connection, and empathy—one episode at a time.
Here’s how you can help us keep the Culture Train rolling:
💛 Donate: Support Culture Kids
⭐ Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
📢 Share our show with just one friend or family member who loves to explore
Your support helps us keep Culture Kids free and accessible for families everywhere!

1,275 Listeners

1,804 Listeners

1,558 Listeners

13,575 Listeners

2,614 Listeners

16,666 Listeners

1,116 Listeners

5,047 Listeners

539 Listeners

29,828 Listeners

15,836 Listeners

1,728 Listeners

526 Listeners

875 Listeners

6,226 Listeners

436 Listeners

2,077 Listeners

335 Listeners

114 Listeners

1,660 Listeners

656 Listeners

6 Listeners

784 Listeners

1,224 Listeners

4,288 Listeners

1,905 Listeners

39 Listeners

45 Listeners

249 Listeners

68 Listeners

13 Listeners

569 Listeners

1,577 Listeners