Join us on a brand-new Culture Kids adventure as we celebrate Día de Muertos with Mexican American author Mariana Ríos Ramírez, author of

Abuelita’s Gift. Together, we journey through an endless field of glowing marigold flowers, learning how families in Mexico honor and remember loved ones with ofrendas, papel picado, and pan de muerto.

Through Mariana’s heartfelt stories, kids discover how this beautiful tradition shows that love never disappears; it lives on in our memories, laughter, and shared stories.

Learn more about Ms. Mariana

http://marianariosramirez.com, where you’ll find free activities and links to her books, Abuelita’s Gift and Santiago’s Dinosaurios, available everywhere books are sold.

Instagram: @marianariosr.

Follow Mariana:

https://linktr.ee/MarianaRiosR

📣 Please join our journey and help spread the word!

Visit culturekidsproductions.org and click on SUPPORT, to learn how you can support our mission, subscribe to episode updates, and help us reach more families.

Follow us on Instagram @culturekidsproductions and tag us when you ride the “Culture Train” or explore a new tradition.

Leave us a 5★ rating on Apple Podcasts !

Your review amplifies our reach so more children feel they belong and discover new cultures with us.

Credits

Hosts: Kristen & Asher Kim

Guest & Co Producer: Mariana Rios Ramirez

Edited, Written and Produced by: Kristen Kim

Music & Sound FX: Envato Elements

Audio Engineer & Post: Robin Lai

Academic Consultant: Elisha Li

[Please note: This episode was not produced by the Culture Kids Productions team. However, we’re thrilled to have been invited to collaborate and be featured in this special project created by our friends at Kids Listen. While Culture Kids contributed a short segment, all creative direction and production were led by the Big Emotions team.]. Our weekly release will resume on Thursday at 9pm PT!

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We’re excited to share a special bonus episode with you, “Big Emotions: Part 2, Independence!”

Welcome back to Big Emotions! In Part 1, we explored Belonging, finding friends and places that celebrate you for exactly who you are. In Part 2, we dive deeper into Independence, learning to trust yourself, make your own choices, and follow your unique path.

You’ll hear inspiring stories of kids (and a few magical creatures!) who take brave steps, try new things, and discover just how strong they can be.

🎧 Featuring: Dorktales Storytime • Culture Kids • Stoopkid Stories

About the series: Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups is a 7-part audio adventure created by the Kids Listen members. Each episode pairs two related feelings, helping kids (and grownups!) understand, name, and navigate emotions in all their shapes and sizes.

Follow @KidsListen on Instagram and LinkedIn for more updates and inspiration!

Join Mom, Asher, and their special guest, Ms. Catherina from Columbus Guatemala Travel, a family-run company that helps families explore Central America through adventure and culture. Together, they visit a vibrant hillside filled with color, music, and love, the home of Guatemala’s breathtaking Giant Kite Festival! 🎏

Each year on November 1st, families across Guatemala gather to remember their loved ones by building enormous, hand-painted kites that soar into the sky, carrying messages of love and remembrance. What might seem like a spooky day in some cultures is, in Guatemala, a joyful celebration of family, ancestors, and community, filled with laughter, bright colors, and connections that span generations.

In this episode, you’ll learn how Guatemalan families celebrate the Giant Kite Festival and what the kites represent; why cemeteries in Guatemala are full of color, joy, and community instead of fear or sadness; and how the deep roots of Mayan traditions continue to shape life in Guatemala today. You’ll also discover how different cultures find beautiful, meaningful ways to honor those they love... reminding us that remembrance can be both peaceful and full of life.

Explore With Columbus Guatemala Travel!

Address: 2da Calle Poniente 2, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala Columbus Guatemala Travel

Phone (Guatemala): +502 5376 5147

Phone (US number): (650) 241-1444

Email: [email protected]

Website: columbusguatemalatravel.com

Instagram: @columbus.guatemala.travel

PLEASE KEEP OUR CULTURE TRAIN CHUGGING ALONG!

Every bit of donation helps us keep our train running (THANK YOU!!)

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

Please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple or Spotify to spread our mission:

Follow: Instagram @culturekidsproductions

for fun behind-the-scenes footage!

All aboard the Culture Train for a spooky adventure full of surprises! 👻

Meet owls that whisper wisdom in Greece and Japan, and black cats that bring luck and love instead of fright! Along the way, discover how stories, beliefs, and traditions can change the way we see the world around us.

By the end of this adventure, you might just realize that what feels spooky at first can turn out to be something beautiful- when we take time to learn, listen, and look a little closer. 🌍✨

💛 Support Our Work

Culture Kids Productions is a small nonprofit powered by passion and community. Your donations help us keep creating audio adventures that inspire curiosity, belonging, and joy for kids everywhere.

👉 Donate or learn more: www.culturekidsproductions.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@culturekidsproductions

Every gift — big or small — helps our tiny team continue to share the world’s stories with children and families everywhere. Thank you for being part of the Culture Kids community! 🌈🚂

Credits:

Written and Produced by: Kristen Kim

Hosts: Kristen, Asher, and Arden Kim

Audio Engineer: Robin Lai

Education Consultant: Elisha Li

Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad

All aboard the Culture Train! This time we’re heading to the sunny seaside town of Nafpaktos, Greece! Join Asher and Kristen as they visit their friend Mr. Dino, a passionate chef and storyteller, in his cozy family kitchen overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Corinth. Together, they’ll explore what makes Greek food so special, from flaky, cheesy tyropita to creamy, salty feta, and discover how every bite tells a story of family, history, and love.

We’ll stroll through cobblestone streets, learn about the ancient Venetian castle watching over the harbor, and hear how language, food, and family are deeply woven into Greek life.

🍽 Featured Guest:

Make a tyropita HERE with Mr. Dino!!!

Grown ups, please subscribe and check out his YT channel for meal inspirations!

Website: https://loudmouthkitchen.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@LoudmouthKitchen

IG: https://www.instagram.com/loudmouth_kitchen

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loudmouth_kitchen

🚂 Please support Culture Kids!

Here’s how you can help:

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

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — it really helps new families discover our show.

Credits

Host and Produced By: Kristen Kim

Co-Hosts: Asher & Arden Kim

Guest: LoudMouth Kitchen, Mr. Dino

Featured Music: Miqayel Voskanyan

Produced by Culture Kids Productions, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children embrace a multicultural mindset.

Post Production & Audio Engineer: Robin Lai

Academic Consultant: Elisha Li

Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad

Stay connected with us:

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

Website: http://culturekidsproductions.com

Email / Voicemail: available through our site.. we love hearing from you!

All aboard the Magical Culture Train — we’re heading to Seoul, South Korea! 🌏

Join Kristen and Asher as they travel to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Korea’s most famous royal palaces, and visit a hanbok shop to learn all about the traditional clothing of kings, queens, and everyday people from long ago. 👘

Inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters, Asher gets curious about the famous black hat — the gat — worn by the saja boys in the movie! Together, they discover where these hats came from, what Korean kings and queens really wore during the Joseon Dynasty, and how these traditions still shine in Korean culture today.

In this episode, your family will:

This adventure brings together history, art, music, and pop culture, showing how ancient Korean traditions continue to inspire creativity today — from royal palaces to K-pop stages! 🌸

Please Support Culture Kids!

Culture Kids Productions is a small, volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to helping families embrace differences, explore world cultures, and build empathy through storytelling.

🎁 Support us today: www.culturekidsmedia.com/support

📸 Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

Learn more about Gyeongbokgung Palace:

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) was the royal residence of Korean kings during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).

The name “Gyeongbokgung” means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.”

Visitors today can explore its Throne Hall (Geunjeongjeon), Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pond, where the royal family once rested.

You can even rent a hanbok nearby and walk through the palace like royalty — just like Mom and Asher did in today’s episode!

Written and produced by Kristen and Asher Kim

Grab your imaginary passports, Culture Kids! 🌍 Today, we’re heading back to the peaceful village of Ushi in Armenia for a splashy, bubbly adventure. Children’s book author Ms. Astrid welcomes us into her home to join her family’s rug washing day, a beloved tradition passed down for generations. Along the way, we’ll meet Arden (Asher’s sister!) as she hops on the Culture Train, discover heirloom rugs and dragon carpets, and join Astrid’s children, Aren and Haram, for the most epic rug-cleaning dance party ever. Spoiler: there’s even a rainbow! 🌈

About Astrid Kamalyan:

This episode is inspired by Babo: A Tale of Armenian Rug Washing Day, written by Astrid Kamalyan and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan.

Learn more about the book and Astrid’s work: astridkamalyan.com

Order your copy here: Bookshop.org (support your local independent bookstore!)

Special Thank You To:

This episode features music from Miqayel Voskanyan, an award-winning Armenian tar player and composer known for blending ancient folk traditions with modern sounds. His work celebrates Armenia’s vibrant musical heritage.

Follow Miqayel on Instagram: @miqayelvoskanyan

Learn more and listen to his music: http://miqayelvoskanyan.com

Culture Kids is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit powered by families and volunteers, creating free, world-class cultural education for children everywhere. We rely on your support to keep the Culture Train chugging along.

Here’s how you can help:

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

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — it really helps new families discover our show.

Credits

Host and Produced By: Kristen Kim

Co-Hosts: Asher & Arden Kim

Guest: Astrid Kamalyan, author of Babo: A Tale of Armenian Rug Washing Day

Featured Music: Miqayel Voskanyan

Produced by Culture Kids Productions, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children embrace a multicultural mindset.

Post Production & Audio Engineer: Robin Lai

Academic Consultant: Elisha Li

Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad

Stay connected with us:

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

Website: http://culturekidsproductions.com

Email / Voicemail: available through our site — we love hearing from you!

In this episode, Kristen and Asher hop aboard the Culture Train to Hong Kong to explore its lively streets, sounds, and flavors. They meet Ms. Dan Song, teacher, author, and taichi coach and learn about her Our City Adventure series, including why Hong Kong is one of her featured cities.

Together, they taste Hong Kong style egg tarts with their golden flaky crusts and silky custard filling, learn the history of how these treats came to be, and talk about the unique mix of languages and traditions that make Hong Kong so special.

You’ll hear Asher’s first big bite reaction, Ms. Dan’s stories about her students and writing, and fun facts about Hong Kong’s mix of city energy, countryside escapes, and delicious food culture. You’ll even get a peek at what makes dim sum so much more than just a meal...it’s a way to gather with friends and family.

This episode shows how even a small pastry can carry big stories and bring people together.

About Our City Adventure Series :

The Our City Adventure series is published by Phoenix Tree Publishing, Inc.

These books invite readers to travel vicariously through several of China’s exciting cities: Xi’an, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, etc., learning about the local culture, language, foods, and more!

Buy Here:

https://www.phoenixtree.com/shop

Search for "Our City Adventures" and choose a city of your choice- or buy them all!

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!

🚂✨ All aboard for a flavor adventure!

Join Kristen & Asher as they:

🌍 Help Keep the Culture Train Rolling! 🚂

When you share our podcast with a friend, leave a review, or donate, you help us:

💛 Support Culture Kids: https://www.culturekidsmedia.com/support/

Credits:

Executive Producer & Host: Kristen Kim

Co-Producer & Host: Asher Kim

Guest & Co-Host: Takashi Sato

Audio Engineer & Post: Robin Lai

Academic Consultant: Elisha Li

Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad

Music/Sound Elements: Envato