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Pack your imagination and curiosity, today’s adventure takes us to the colorful markets and serene temples of India, where we set out on a treasure hunt for ten sparkling jewels of the heart. These treasures aren’t gold or gems, but the ten supreme virtues celebrated during the Jain festival of Das Lakshana.
Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, rooted in the powerful idea of ahimsa: non-violence toward every living being. In this episode, Laura guides kids and families through stories, games, and guided imagination to discover how Jains honor life, big and small, and practice values that help us all live more peacefully.
Along the way, you’ll:
Finally, we’ll pack three treasures into our Belief Backpack to carry forward:
This episode is an inspiring journey for kids ages 5–12 and their families, weaving together history, values, and playful imagination. By the end, you’ll see how ancient Jain wisdom can shine in everyday life and how practicing even one small act of kindness or truth can make the world brighter.
What would you build if you wanted to leave something that lasted for more than a thousand years? A spaceship? A castle? How about… a university?
In this inspiring episode of Faithfully Explore!, we travel back to 9th-century Fez, Morocco, to meet Fatima al-Fihri a Muslim woman whose vision and generosity helped create Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest continually operating university.
Through storytelling, soundscapes, and interactive moments, kids and grown-ups alike will discover:
Along the way, you’ll join in movement breaks, play our “Echo Explorers” listening game, and take on Fatima’s Learn & Teach Challenge where you discover something new and share it with someone else.
Belief Backpack TakeawaysThis episode is perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, or family listening. Offering both a history lesson and a gentle reminder that one person’s vision can light the way for generations.
Listen now and be inspired to build your own legacy of learning!
Long ago, in ancient Persia, a boy named Zoroaster saw a world full of fighting and unfairnessand dared to imagine something better. He dreamed of a life guided by truth, kindness, and courage. In this episode of Faithfully Explore!, Laura introduces young listeners to Zoroaster and the religion that grew from his ideas: Zoroastrianism.
Through storytelling, guided imagination, games, and a true tale about a royal horse and a hard choice, kids will discover what it means to live by the powerful motto "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds." We explore the role of sacred fire, the cosmic battle between truth and lies, and how even kids can help bring more light into the world.
What’s Inside This EpisodeThe Faravahar: A Zoroastrian Symbol of Good Choices
This beautifully designed printable invites kids to explore one of the most meaningful symbols in Zoroastrianism: the Faravahar, a winged figure that represents the soul’s journey and the importance of free will.
Includes:
Use this activity to deepen the episode’s themes and help kids see themselves as decision-makers with the power to choose what is right.
Available here:
faithfullyexplore.com/shop/the-faravahar-a-zoroastrian-symbol-of-good-choices
Extend the LearningWant to read more about Zoroaster and the people who still follow his teachings today? Check out our blog post:
Fire, Faith, and the Future: 7 Fascinating Books for Kids and Families Curious About Zoroastrianism
You’ll find picture books, middle-grade reads, and activity-rich nonfiction that bring ancient Persia and modern Zoroastrianism to life.
Read the full post here:
faithfullyexplore.com/fire-faith-and-the-future-7-fascinating-books-for-kids-and-families-curious-about-zoroastrianism
For Parents and EducatorsThis episode supports respectful interfaith learning for children ages 5 to 12. Use it to supplement units on ancient civilizations, comparative religion, or ethical decision-making. It also ties in beautifully with seasonal lessons about light and goodness during holidays like Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas.
Includes built-in movement, reflection, and a values-based challenge to encourage whole-child engagement.
Welcome explorers! Join Laura on Faithfully Explore! as we set off on an extraordinary adventure to uncover how different cultures around the world answer one of life's biggest questions: How did the world begin?
What's Inside This Episode:
Belief Backpack Takeaways:
Pack your curiosity caps and grab your imaginary wagons because this week on Faithfully Explore!, we're journeying west across plains, rivers, and rugged mountains on the Trail of Belief. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Laura, your trail guide and storyteller, walks us through the incredible history of the Latter-day Saint pioneers, who braved hardship and hope to build a new life of faith in the Salt Lake Valley.
With music, storytelling, soundscapes, and imagination, kids and families will explore:
This episode is a vibrant, interactive, and respectful look at an important chapter in American religious history told with warmth, humor, and heart. Whether you’re a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or just love learning about different beliefs, you’ll come away inspired.
What’s Inside This Episode?Faith in Action Adventure
Kids are invited to:
Download the Faith in Action Tracker to help kids turn belief into action!
Coming Up Next...“How the World Began: Creation Stories Around the Globe”
Next time, we’re trading wagons for whirlwinds and diving into stories from around the world about how life began! From turtles and cosmic eggs to gardens and sparks of light, you won’t want to miss this magical journey through time, myth, and meaning.
Stay ConnectedQuestions or thoughts? Email us: [email protected]
Tag us in your faith-in-action adventures: #FaithfullyExplore
Visit FaithfullyExplore.com for printables, episode guides, and more!
What is karma, really? Is it just about good deeds and bad luck or is there something deeper going on? In this adventure-filled episode of Faithfully Explore!, Laura guides kids and families on a joyful, thoughtful journey into the idea of karma across multiple faiths and cultures.
From Hinduism’s cosmic point system to Jainism’s sticky soul stains, Buddhism’s kind intentions to Sikhism’s balance between action and grace, we explore how different worldviews understand the ripple effects of our actions. Along the way, kids stretch their bodies in mindful movement, join in a Karma Chain guessing game, and hear a powerful story about a Golden Goose and the price of greed.
Whether your family believes in karma, cause-and-effect, or just being a good person, this episode is packed with curiosity, connection, and compassion.
00:00–02:00 | Welcome + What Goes Around Comes Around
Laura introduces the idea of karma and how it shows up in many religions and cultures as a law of cause and effect.
02:00–04:30 | Karma in Hinduism
We dive into Hindu beliefs about reincarnation, dharma, moksha, and how karma shapes not just this life, but the next. Movement activity: push out kindness, pull in consequences.
04:35–07:15 | Karma in Buddhism
Learn how intention matters in Buddhism and how good seeds of kindness grow happiness. Movement activity: planting and weeding a karma garden.
07:16–10:21 | Karma in Jainism
Discover Jainism’s view of karma as sticky soul dust and why even a tiny bug matters. Movement activity: cleaning a white shirt of stains through kind actions.
10:21–13:58 | Karma in Sikhism
Explore how Sikhs view karma as important but not the whole story. Grace, humility, and Waheguru’s love help clean up spiritual mistakes. Movement activity: asking for help like a student in class.
13:58–16:43 | The Friendship Bridge: Karma Across Beliefs
Connect karma-like ideas in Christianity, Islam, and Humanism. Hear about reaping what you sow, good deeds rewarded by Allah, and kindness as contagious in secular wisdom.
16:43–19:39 | Lotus Pose Meditation Moment
Guided calm moment in Lotus Pose with affirmations like “I am kind” and “I send love to others.”
19:39–26:00 | Game Time: Karma Chain
Laura shares real-life scenarios and asks listeners to guess the ripple effect. Each small act sets off a domino of results for better or worse.
26:00–30:12 | Weekly Challenge: Build a Karma Chain!
Introduce the printable Karma Chain Tracker and how kids can track kind, fair, or brave acts using paper links to create a growing chain of goodness.
30:12–32:21 | Belief Backpack: Karma Takeaways
Three big ideas to carry with you:
32:21–38:22 | Story Time: The Golden Goose and the Greedy Mother
A heartwarming tale about gratitude, greed, and the consequences of taking more than you’re given.
38:22–40:12 | Wrap-up + Sneak Peek: Trail of Belief (Latter-day Saints)
Get excited for next week’s adventure following the faithful journey of the Latter-day Saints.
🧠 Belief Backpack TakeawaysDownload our Karma Chain Tracker Printable
Each day this week, do one kind, fair, or brave thing. Write or draw it on a link and build a chain of goodness! Discuss with your family: did your actions spark more good?
🧘♀️ Featured Movement MomentsDid you build a Karma Chain? Did the story spark a conversation? We'd love to see your artwork or hear your reflections! Ask a grown-up to share via our website or on social media @faithfullyexplore.
🔮 Next Up on Faithfully Explore!Trail of Belief: The Journey of the Latter-day Saints
Join us on a historical trek across snowy forests and desert plains to learn how families followed their faith and what being a Latter-day Saint means today through real stories and the voices of kids.
💬 Like This Episode?Subscribe, rate, and review! It helps other families discover our adventures. Visit faithfullyexplore.com for more episodes, printables, and fun.
Join Laura for a splashy, globe-trotting adventure in “Living Waters: Baptism Across the Christian World.” From Greek origins to Jesus’s own river baptism, we explore how Christians everywhere use water as a symbol of washing away mistakes and starting fresh.
In This EpisodeThanks for diving in with us. Until next time, keep your hearts open and your imaginations flowing!
Kia ora, Faithful Explorers!
In this sparkling episode, your adventure guide Laura takes you on a magical journey across the night sky, discovering how stars guide, inspire, and connect cultures worldwide. Gather around our imaginary campfire under a blanket of stars, and let's explore together!
Episode Highlights:
Interactive Fun & Games:
Weekly Challenge:
Make your own Matariki resolution but with a twist! Your goal should help the Earth. Plant a garden, reduce waste, or pick up litter your creativity shines here! Download your printable Matariki Resolution guide at https://faithfullyexplore.com/shop/my-matariki-resolution/
Laura's Book List:
Next Episode Teaser:
Stay tuned for our next episode “Living Waters: Baptism Across the Christian World.” Dive in to explore water rituals from around the globe and discover why water symbolizes new life in so many traditions.
Listen, Subscribe & Connect:
Website: faithfullyexplore.com
Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Follow @FaithfullyExplore on social media for updates, activities, and more interfaith fun.
Ka kite anō—until next time, keep sparkling!
In this week’s adventure, Laura opens the door to a big question: “If someone doesn’t believe in heaven, God, or religious rules, what helps them decide to be a good person?” Join us as we wander through our imaginary library of beliefs, pull down the Humanism shelf, and discover how kindness, curiosity, courage, and fairness can come straight from withinmno creed required. We’ll play Compass Quest, meet inspiring thinkers from Carl Sagan, Jane Goodall, and Hypatia; cozy up for the Stone Soup story; and fill our Belief Backpacks with new treasures of empathy, reason, and responsibility.
Why You Should ListenLaura’s own journey as a humanist made this episode a joy to write. She knew the stories, values, and people inside out. But it was also her toughest script yet to keep every segment completely non-biased and open to listeners of all backgrounds.
Resources & LinksBelief Backpack printable
Stone Soup For All Decodable Coloring Book
Download either printable, color your favorite page, and send us a photo by June 30, 2025 to enter our Coloring Challenge! You could win a $5 Amazon gift card plus a special shout-out on the show.
Recommended ReadingEnjoyed the journey? The things below help more than you know:
Your curiosity, kindness, and questions make our community brighter. Thank you for exploring with us!
Comment Below:
Pack your imagination and join Laura on Faithfully Explore! as we journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj—the sacred pilgrimage that millions of Muslims embark on each year.
🌍 In This Episode You’ll Discover:
What is Hajj? Learn why Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the significance behind it, and why millions gather from around the globe for this special journey.
Exploring Meaningful Rituals: Experience the awe of pilgrims circling the Kaaba, praying at Mount Arafat, camping under desert stars at Muzdalifah, and symbolically stoning evil.
Storytime: The Tale of Hagar and the Zamzam Well: Hear the inspiring story of Hagar's determination and faith, and discover why pilgrims retrace her courageous steps.
Interactive Fun: Join in guided imagination exercises, playful movement breaks, and test your knowledge with our "Pilgrimage Puzzle" game.
Friendship Bridge: Find connections with other faith traditions that have special pilgrimages, fostering interfaith respect and curiosity.
🎒 Belief Backpack Items:
Stone of Purity: Let go of negativity.
Guiding Star: Follow your values.
Feather of Patience: Remember that worthwhile journeys need time and perseverance.
🗺️ This Week’s Challenge: Journey of the Heart
Set your personal intention to make small, meaningful changes in your life—your own mini-pilgrimage!
https://faithfullyexplore.com/shop/journey-of-the-heart-challenge/
🎨 Let’s Get Creative!
Draw a scene from today's adventure—whether it's pilgrims around the Kaaba, Hagar finding water, or your own Belief Backpack treasures.
👉 Connect With Us:
Share your artwork, challenges, and questions at faithfullyexplore.com or on our social media!
🔍 Keep Exploring:
Listen to past episodes to discover even more traditions and stories that foster understanding, kindness, and curiosity across faiths and cultures.
faithfullyexplore.com
Thank you for joining us on this sacred adventure. Peace be with you! (As-salamu alaykum!) ✨
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