Hop aboard the Culture Train with Asher, Kristen and their special guest Robin as they take young listeners on an immersive journey to Ipoh, Malaysia! In this colorful and educational episode, our hosts explore geology, language, and—of course—food. Discover why this vibrant city is famous for feasting and adventure!

Meet Our Local Friend, Robin!

Born and raised in Ipoh, Robin shares insider secrets—from culinary tastes to cultural traditions.

He opens up about Malaysia’s 135+ languages, and how locals naturally switch between Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil, and more!
Kristen explains how Ipoh is nestled between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, surrounded by limestone hills.

Asher’s super-relatable curiosity helps kids picture river valleys, caves, and temples.

Foodie Fun!
Ever seen muscle-y bean sprouts? Kids learn how Ipoh’s mineral-rich spring water makes them fat, plump, and super juicy.
We try Bean Sprout Chicken (Nga Choy Kai)—crunchy sprouts meet tender chicken in a flavorful harmony.
And the star: Kai See Hor Fun, a silky, smooth flat noodle soup made with luxe local water—perfect for slurping (it’s polite in Malaysia!).

Cultural Etiquette & Fun Facts
Slurping—when polite, fun, and part of the experience!
Language switching is like changing TV channels—Malaysia’s linguistic magic revealed.

Cave Temples Teaser
Robin teases a visit to Kek Lok Tong, a secretive limestone cave temple with golden statues, peaceful gardens, and magical acoustics.

Please support our mission!

Website: http://culturekidsproductions.org/support

⭐ Rate & Subscribe to help us grow and reach kids around the world

⏭️ Next stop: The ARCTIC, Nigeria, Italy, and more—don’t miss our upcoming Culture Train adventures!

Join us on a wild, wandering journey into Pokémon’s Kanto region, as we step into the legendary Viridian Forest—a magical maze full of mystery, nature, and adorable creatures!

Immersive Adventure: Feel the forest—sniff the pine and blossoms, hear rustling leaves and buzzing bugs, and watch Asher and Kristen transform into Pokémon-style cartoons!

Nature Meets Game: Learn how Pokémon was inspired by real Japanese forests and kids catching bugs—just like Satoshi Tajiri grew up doing in Japan.

**Spotlight on Bugs (and Love!)**:
See a wild Caterpie and watch it evolve into Metapod, and fluttering into Butterfree—a real-life Pokémon storyline!
Plus, we spot a Weedle and finally… the rare Pikachu! 🐛✨

Fun Facts:

Viridian Forest is based on real forests in Kanto, Japan, and designed to feel like a wondrous maze full of surprises

Bug-type Pokémon reflect Tajiri’s childhood of insect collecting and childhood games

Big Life Lesson: Just like a Caterpie patiently evolving into Butterfree, sometimes we need quiet time and patience before our big changes, like growing up, learning, or trying something new.

📣 Before You Go…

Big thanks to supporters like you for helping Culture Kids stay free and open to all!

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://culturekidsproductions.org

✨ In This Episode

Join us as we travel to meet Ms. Hana Baba to celebrate the beautiful lands of Sudan—home to deserts, jungles, pyramids, and a rich diversity of cultures. Ms Hana introduces us to her homeland with a warm greeting in Sudanese Arabic (“Zeyacomb!”), a fun language lesson, and fascinating insights into geography and traditions.

Then we dive into weddings: the month‑long pampering, hand‑made perfumes with natural spices and ingredients, the festive candy‑showering wedding bus with songs, the joyful “Zagaroota”, and the sweet Jirtig ceremony where candy is exchanged seven times to symbolize a sweet week.

We learn how these traditions trace back over 2,000 years to ancient Nubian kingdoms, and how even amid conflict, Sudanese communities find strength in celebration and community.

This episode reminds us that sharing traditions connects us, fosters empathy, and shows that joy can endure even in hard times. As Ms Hana says, “learning about a person’s culture… helps us care more about each other—and when we care more, it’s a better world.”

🌟 About the Podcast – Folktales from Sudan

Folktales from Sudan brings ancient Sudanese Arabic folktales to life for kids and families, preserving vibrant storytelling traditions while countering narratives of conflict

You can explore episodes and support the show at FolktalesFromSudan.org.

Hana Baba shares uplifting tales, cultural insights, and even language lessons—she’s also active on Instagram as @hanaradio, where she posts short storytelling clips and behind-the-scenes!

💡 Why It Matters💖 Support Culture Kids Productions

Culture Kids Productions is a 100% volunteer-run, grassroots nonprofit on a mission to spark curiosity and build empathy through global stories.

If you’d like to help keep the Culture Train rolling, please visit culturekidsproductions.org/support to donate—no amount is too small.

Your contribution helps us share more authentic voices, create academic materials, and even imagine a future Culture Kids TV series!

Even if you can't donate today, you can still support us by leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, subscribing, and sharing your favorite episodes with family, friends, and teachers.

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

🌍 Please Help Sudanese Families Now

Here are organizations offering critical support to families in Sudan:

Save the Children – Health, nutrition, water, hygiene, child protection & education
Donate here: savethechildren.org/sudan

UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) – Shelter, water, food & protection for displaced families
Support here: unhcr.org/us/sudan-emergency

Sudanese Red Crescent Society – Volunteer-driven emergency aid, healthcare & water
Learn more via IFRC: ifrc.org/sudan time.com

Action Against Hunger – Nutrition support, food access & clean water programs
(Search “Action Against Hunger Sudan” to find their official site)

Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) – Local volunteer networks delivering aid in Sudan
(Search “Emergency Response Rooms Sudan” to find contact and donate links) unhcr.org

Sudan Relief Fund – Food, water, medical care & shelter since 1998
Visit: sudanreliefund.com

✨ Episode Highlights

Meet Mr. Wood – An inspiring K–5 art teacher in Chicago since 2007, who shares his passion for creativity and learning with students, and now with families around the globe through his podcasts!

What is Art? – Mr. Wood explains how art includes everything from museum masterpieces to everyday objects like your shirt, shoes, or home...all imaginative creations! 🎨

Art + Culture = Connection – We explore how art helps us understand different parts of the world from Egyptian hieroglyphics to modern murals, and why trying new foods, fashion, and ideas expands our imagination. 🌐

Calming Creativity – Did you know making art is good for your brain and emotions? Coloring, drawing, and creating can feel like meditation, and help with all kinds of problem-solving. 🧠

Space Art Adventure! – We board the Culture Train for an out-of-this-world trip to the Moon! 

🧑‍🚀 Fallen Astronaut – A tiny 3.5″ aluminum sculpture left on the lunar surface in 1971 as a universal memorial—quiet, peaceful, and symbolic of all humanity.

🛡️ Space safety talk – Why materials matter! (No acrylic on the Moon, according to NASA.)

Lunar graffiti – Discover the initials “T.D.C..” scratched into moon dust by astronaut Eugene Cernan in December 1972—still there today!

Creative Moon Challenge – Asher "draws" Pikachu on the Moon. Big idea, tiny scale—space art is limitless!

🖌️ About Mr. Kyle Wood (Host of Who ARTed? & Fun Facts Daily)

Tune into Who ARTed? for deeper dives into art history (including the Fallen Astronaut episode!).  ⁠https://www.whoartedpodcast.com/about⁠

Try Fun Facts Daily—bite-sized, 10-minute learning bursts on fascinating topics.Stay connected with Kyle via Instagram and X to get behind-the-scenes glimpses into teaching, art, and creativity.

👂 Love what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a 🌟 5‑star review!

❤️ Please support our show! Head to⁠ culturekidsproductions.org⁠ and click Support to contribute. Every donation helps expand the Culture Train!

🎧 Episode Summary:

Join us as we return to Botswana's breathtaking Okavango Delta, reuniting with their friends Chris and Maria from Kalahari Breeze Safaris. In this episode, we embark on a mokoro (dugout canoe) adventure, encountering the diverse wildlife that inhabits the delta. From the unique African jacana to playful hippos and majestic elephants, the journey is filled with awe-inspiring moments. Along the way, they learn about the importance of respecting nature and the traditions of the local communities.

🌍 Highlights:

Mokoro Adventure: Experience the tranquility of gliding through the delta's waterways in a traditional mokoro, guided by experts Chris and Maria.

Wildlife Encounters: Discover the fascinating behaviors of the African jacana, hippos, and elephants, and learn how local guides ensure safe and respectful wildlife viewing.

Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the Bayei people's traditions and the significance of the mokoro in their daily lives.

Campfire Reflections: End the day with stories and reflections around the boma, embracing the connections formed through shared experiences in nature.

🎶 Special Thanks:

A heartfelt thank you to Matsieng, the renowned Setswana traditional music trio from Gaborone, Botswana, for allowing us to feature their music in this episode. To explore more of their beautiful and culturally rich music, please visit the Eric Ramco Records YouTube Channel, where you can find a collection of their performances and albums.

Link to the song used on the episode:

Ke bone mosadi - Matsieng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPyhTMrJZm8

🔗 Resources & Links:

Kalahari Breeze Safaris: Learn more about their family-friendly tours and experiences in Botswana.

Website: kalaharibreezesafaris.com

Facebook: facebook.com/kalaharibreezesafaris

Instagram: @kalaharibreezesafaris

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +267 73 833 891

Eric Ramco Records YouTube Channel: Explore traditional Setswana music by Matsieng and other artists.

Facebook: facebook.com/ericramcorecords

Instagram: @ericramco

YouTube: Eric Ramco Records

SoundCloud: Eric Ramco SA

Eric Ramco Records is a record label based in Botswana, specializing in Setswana traditional music. They have worked with various artists, including the traditional music trio Matsieng.

📬 Connect with Us:

We love hearing from our Culture Kids family! If you have questions, stories, or suggestions, please reach out through our website or social media channels.

🌟 Support Our Mission:

If you'd like to support our mission of sharing diverse stories that connect communities across the globe, please visit our website: www.culturekidsproductions.org/support or click the link in our show notes. Your contributions help us continue producing more episodes and sharing the wonders of our world with young explorers everywhere.

🚂 FUDGE CAPITAL of the WORLD: Mackinac Island, Michigan! 🍫🐴🌸

Hellooo Culture Kids! Grab your imaginary passports and your sweet tooth—because today we’re off to the fudge capital of the world… Mackinac Island, Michigan!

Join Kristen and Asher as they hop on the Culture Train to explore this enchanting car-free island, where horses clip-clop down lilac-lined streets and the smell of freshly made fudge fills the air. You’ll meet our friend Mr. Aaron from Joann’s Fudge and discover how creamy, dreamy fudge is made right before your ears—yes, even the marble table has a job to do!

🎧 In this episode, you’ll:

Learn why cars aren’t allowed on the island

Visit a fudge kitchen and hear the sizzling magic of hot fudge on marble

Find out how Mackinac Island became the fudge capital of the world

Taste-test (well, almost!) popular fudge flavors like Chocolate Cookie Crunch 😋

Hear what life is like on an island with just 400 year-round neighbors

🌸 Bonus fun: Find out what lilac festivals, snowmobiles, and community spirit have in common—and why they make Mackinac Island one of the most unique places in America.

Want to try fudge for yourself or send some to a fellow Culture Kid?

💛 Support Our Show!

🎁 Donate at: culturekidsproductions.org/support

🎧 Episode Title: The Magical Journey of Chocolate – From Tree to Treat!

🌱 Description:

🎉 Plus, special shoutouts to our Culture Kids listeners Augy and Chloe from Idaho! Thank you for your amazing reviews and ideas!

🌍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

What a cacao tree looks like and why it grows in rainforests

What’s inside a cacao pod (hint: it’s not chocolate—yet!)

How cacao beans are fermented, dried, and turned into chocolate

The cultural history of chocolate and its importance in ancient ceremonies

How to look for Fair Trade or Ethically Sourced labels to support cacao farmers around the world

💚 Want to support Culture Kids?

🍫 Bonus Questions to Ask Your Kids:

What part of the cacao pod did you find most surprising?

Why do you think it’s important to know where our food comes from?

What would you invent if you had your own chocolate factory?

🐘 Coming next:

Hola Culture Kids! 👋 Grab your hiking boots, marshmallows, and imaginary passports because we’re going on an epic adventure to... Telica Volcano in Nicaragua! 🇳🇮🔥

Join Kristen, Asher, and our amazing guides Alvaro and Aislyn from Tuani Tours as we:

🧗‍♂️ Hike up one of the most active volcanoes in Central America

Whether you're curious about what magma is, or just want to hear what it's like to sleep on a real volcano (safely, of course!)—this is an adventure you don’t want to miss.

🎧 So hop on the Culture Train and let’s explore the magic, mystery, and community spirit of Nicaragua together!

✨ Featured Guests: Tuani Tours Nicaragua

📍 Book your family adventure: www.tuanitoursnicaragua.com

💛 Support & Connect with Us

🚨 We Need Your Support! 🚨

For the past two years, Culture Kids has been a volunteer-run labor of love, created by families, for families. We’ve worked hard to make our show free and accessible to all because we believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

🌍 We’re currently seeking grants, donations, and resources to keep our show going. We’re passionate about continuing to provide joyful, inclusive cultural education, and we have big dreams for the future

💌 If you know of any opportunities or funding sources that can help, please reach out to us at [email protected].

To donate: (and receive a special shoutout!)

https://www.culturekidsmedia.com/support/

Thank you for believing in this mission. With your support, we can keep the Culture Train rolling. 🚂💛

🌿 Episode Highlights:

Join Kristen and Asher as they journey through the heart of Botswana, discovering the rich culture and landscapes of the Okavango Delta. Experience life in a Bayei village, learning about traditional homes made from natural materials and the significance of the kgosi (village chief). Discover how local artisans create beautiful baskets using reeds and natural dyes from plants and trees. Learn about the diverse languages spoken in Botswana, including Setswana. Understand the sustainable practices of the Bayei people, from building materials to community living.

About Kalahari Breeze Safaris

Kalahari Breeze Safaris is a family-owned tour company based in Maun, Botswana, offering authentic and eco-friendly safari experiences. Their tours include wild camping experiences, cultural village visits, and customized safaris tailored to include activities like mokoro rides and game drives.

Contact & Booking:

🌐 Website: kalaharibreezesafaris.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: +267 73 833 891

📸 Instagram: @kalaharibreezesafaris

👍 Facebook: Kalahari Breeze Safaris

Please Support Us!

Culture Kids is a grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to creating educational content that celebrates global cultures. We rely on donations and grants to continue our work. If you enjoy our episodes and want to support our mission:

💻 Visit our website: culturekidsproductions.org

💝 Make a donation: https://www.culturekidsmedia.com/support/

Subscribe to Culture Kids on your favorite podcast platform and embark on more adventures around the world. Don't forget to leave a review and share with friends!

Guests: Chris and Maria (Kalahari Breeze Safaris)

Hosts: Kristen and Asher

Sound FX and Music: Envato Elements

Producted and Edited by: Kristen Kim

Audio Engineering and Post: Robin Lai

Hop on the Culture Train with Kristen and Asher as they journey to the beautiful coastal village of Jiquilillo, Nicaragua! In this heartwarming episode, we meet Alvaro and Aislyn from Tuani Tours Nicaragua and discover what it’s like to live in a small fishing village where nature, community, and tradition are deeply connected.

🏝️ From freshwater sharks in Lake Nicaragua to wild horses by the beach, we explore the unique landscapes of Nicaragua

This episode is filled with culture, joy, and cheesy surprises—so grab your imaginary passports and get ready for a meaningful adventure!

✨ Featured Guests: Tuani Tours Nicaragua

📍 Book your family adventure: www.tuanitoursnicaragua.com

💛 Support & Connect with Us

For the past two years, Culture Kids has been a volunteer-run labor of love, created by families, for families. We’ve worked hard to make our show free and accessible to all because we believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

🌍 We’re currently seeking grants, donations, and resources to keep our show going. We’re passionate about continuing to provide joyful, inclusive cultural education, and we have big dreams for the future

💌 If you know of any opportunities or funding sources that can help, please reach out to us at [email protected].

To donate: (and receive a special shoutout!)

https://www.culturekidsmedia.com/support/

Thank you for believing in this mission. With your support, we can keep the Culture Train rolling. 🚂💛