Put on your pink bunny suits and make a mashed potato mound with Meatloaf, Smeatloaf, Double-beatloaf! In this BUSTING BACK episode, Ella and Jackie tackle everyone's favorite Christmas fun facts for A Christmas Story movie.

We're unwrapping the realities behind the film's most iconic scenes, from the debated dangers of BB guns to the sticky situation of tongues on frozen poles and answering the all-important "Can you really go blind from soap poisoning?" 

We'll uncovering the myths and facts behind:

• Do people really wash kids mouths out with soap?
• Can you get soap poisoning?
• Can soap poisoning cause blindness?
• Can you really shoot your eye out with a BB?
• Can an icicle injure an eye?
• Do tongues really stick to flagpoles?

& SO MUCH MORE!

We're dishing out laughs and lore as we dig into Ralphie, his dysfunctional family, and more about The Christmas Story holiday movie. 

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Ever thought about how animals weather the frosty winter months? In this BUSTING BACK Parent Busters episode we're covering how animals prepare for winter in sometimes super weird ways. 

We're taking a deep - and chilly - dive into the world of animal hibernation. 

Join us on this fascinating journey as we unravel how creatures from polar bears to penguins, and even some unexpected critters like iguanas and snakes, adapt and survive during the harsh winter season. 

Prepare for some winter word salad as we talk about unique techniques from hibernation to estivation and brumation.

If you've enjoyed our journey through the frosty world of hibernation and the captivating survival strategies of our furry and feathered friends, we'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts. 

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Curious about Native American heritage? Ever wondered about the significance of Native American Heritage Month and the Native American Heritage Day? 

On this BUSTING BACK Parent Busters Episode, we'll cover:

• Interesting Native American Heritage Month facts 
• What is Native American Heritage Month? / history of Native American Heritage Month
• Is it still called Native American Heritage Month?
• What terminology do we use? (Is it OK to say Indian?)
• How do you honor Native American Heritage Month? (And some things you definitely *DO NOT* want to do!)
• How to celebrate Native American Heritage Month respectfully
• & SO MUCH MORE!

Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of Native American history and culture, and unravel the importance of understanding and respecting the Native American Indian culture.

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Join us for a special retelling of the Southern Appalachian folklore tale The Harry Toe story as Jackie gives her version of this Southern spooky folklore story! 

We'll also cover why ghost stories have always been a part of human culture and  unravel the mysterious tapestry of spooky tales, tracing their origins back to ancient civilizations and funeral rituals. 

We dive deep into the beliefs around spirits separating from the body upon death and the rituals that evolved to ensure these spirits wouldn't return to haunt the living. We also explore the fascinating tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas in Victorian England - a tradition born out of necessity for those who couldn't read or write.

Enjoy this special Halloween story for kids and adults for the holiday!

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Ever wondered about the spooky origins of Halloween and how it evolved into the holiday we know today?

In this BUSTING BACK EPISODE, embark on a chilling journey as Jackie and Ella unravel the suspenseful history and traditions of this spectral celebration and tons of trick or treating fun facts / Halloween fun facts for kids!

The journey begins with the start of Halloween, rooted in Celtic festivals marking the end of summer and onset of death-associated cold seasons, and how it was later influenced by the Romans and their own festive customs. 

From there, we hop across the Atlantic, unmasking how this eerie European tradition blended with Native American customs to morph into a uniquely American celebration. 

With the influx of Irish immigrants in the 19th century, Halloween began to weave its web all over the nation. The treasured custom of trick-or-treating didn't miss our radar either. 

Brace yourself as we navigate through its history, tracing back to early Celtic and Roman Catholic festivals and the 9th-century All Souls Day.

Finally, we cast light on the sweet side of Halloween - candy history!

 Learn about the creation of the quintessential candy corn by the Golitz family and the fascinating tale of the 1923 Chicken Dinner Candy Bar. 

But the Halloween magic doesn't end in America. 
We'll jet around the world, unearthing Halloween traditions in different cultures, from the Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong to Dia das Bruchas in Brazil. 

So, grab your broomstick and join us for a wickedly enlightening adventure into Halloween's past.

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Ready for a deep-dive into the world of pumpkins and gourds? In this Parent Busters Busting Back Episode, we'll cover all the pumpkin facts and pumpkin lore you never knew you needed!

Pumpkins, a staple in American traditions, hold some fascinating and surprising secrets and we're going to  unmask the mystery behind these seemingly simple fruits (yes, fruits!). 

Listen along as we reveal the surprising history of the jack-o'-lantern, the culinary uses of pumpkins and gourds, the weird, ongoing pumpkin-squash debat, and other fun facts about pumpkins for kids and parents like:

• What is the story behind Jack O lantern?
• Why is the pumpkin a symbol of Halloween?
• What’s the deal with jack-o lantern faces?
• Why Do We Carve Pumpkins at Halloween? 
• What SUPER UNUSUAL Halloween “treat” did Jackie get when she was a kid while trick-or-treating?
• What vegetable did they use before pumpkins? (What people used to carve for Halloween and why.)
• Who the heck is Pumpkin Jack?
• Is pumpkin a root vegetable?
• Pumpkin vs squash vs gourd
• Pumpkin types & MORE

We'll take a nostalgic journey down memory lane, comparing Halloween's past and present, and ponder over the disappearing tradition of handing out fruits and homemade goodies.

 Expect to hear some laughter, some sighs, and a fair amount of pumpkin trivia.

Finally, we'll travel through time and across cultures, exploring the significant role these round, orange fruits have played. From the Greek etymology of the word 'pumpkin' to the Huron Indians' lore of the divine woman who gave birth to maize, beans, and pumpkin. 

We'll even touch on some fascinating tribal rituals involving pumpkin flower dances. 

And, if you've ever wondered just how many seeds there are in a pumpkin, we've got the answer! 

Also, a special story from Jackie's weird childhood.

Remember the good old days of trick-or-treating?

 There's a story of a Halloween night, a time when apples and popcorn balls were the norm, and a stranger who ran out of candies resorted to giving out a special treat instead. (Nope, not a pumpkin!)

Join us on this fun-filled and informative journey through the fascinating world of pumpkins and gourds that you never knew you needed.

You're welcome.

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Ready for an autumn adventure?  In this BUSTING BACK Parent Busters podcast episode, we're taking a vibrant journey through the science, mythology and folklore of fall. 

Prepare to be spellbound as we decode the enigma of leaf color change, frostproof evergreens, and the reasons behind the customary shedding of leaves by perennial trees. 

We also unmask the role of chlorophyll and photosynthesis in the survival of trees, and let's not forget a chat about Conkers, the popular fall game. 

Ever wondered about the ancient stories spun around the changing seasons? 

Discover the divine dance between nature and mythology because we're stepping back in time to Greece to uncover the mythological drama starring the Hora and Persephone. 

Leaf Science: We also explore the intriguing mystery of why some trees lose their leaves starting from the top. 

Brace yourself for an enchanting walk through the woods of folklore and superstitions associated with fall leaves. 

Hear the haunting Huron legend about the celestial clash between a bear and a deer that affects the foliage below. Learn about the time-honored beliefs that predict harsh winters from bright autumn leaves and bring good luck to those who catch a falling leaf. 

Grab a warm cup of cocoa (oh, ok, or a pumpkin spice latte), make yourself comfortable, and listen along as we embark on this fun journey through the captivating world of fall science and fun for fall y'all!

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Ever thought of licking your elbow or touching your nose with your tongue? Sounds ludicrous, right? In this Parent Busters podcast episode, we expose weird body myths and weird body challenges, starting off with the laughably impossible task of licking your elbow.

 We not only looked into the science that makes this task challenging for most but also discovered the rare few who can! In a hilarious twist, we even gave it a try ourselves and let's just say, it was an interesting experience...

In this fun kids science podcast episode, we'll also cover:

• Is it actually possible to lick your elbow? / Is it rare to be able to lick your elbow?
• What are some rare body facts?
• What are the unique things that your body can do? (And can't do!)
• Can sneezing cause eye to pop out?
• Is it possible to sneeze with your eyes open (or is it a myth)?
• What happens if you sneeze with your mouth closed? (Or, hold your sneeze)
• Who can roll their tongue?
• What is tongue folding?
• Is it rare to be able to lick your nose?
• Can some people lick their nose?
• & MORE WEIRD BODY FACTS FOR KIDS

If you're looking for a blend of humor, fun science tricks for kids to try, and some unexpected facts about your body you've never heard, we've got you covered in this fun podcast for parents and kids to learn together!

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

Get ready for some feathered facts because we're not just winging it on this fun episode of the Parent Busters Podcast with Jackie and Ella!


Beyond the banter, we'll soar into the extraordinary capabilities of our winged companions with tons of bird fun facts including:

• What is in a bird's brain? 
• What is the bird brains meaning?
• Is bird for brains insult or a compliment?
• Are birds smart brains?
• Are owls wise?
• Can birds use tools?
• What’s the deal with those crow gifts?
• How do birds count?
• Can birds really talk?
• What is the metaphor of a bird brain?
• Surprising facts about bird brain size
• Are pigeons pests?

Strap in as we take a journey into the fascinating sphere of avian intelligence in our latest Parent Busters podcast episode and crack open the true meaning of 'bird brain', a phrase often misunderstood and misused. 

We'll hatch some light on the journey of this idiom from the 1900s and how it has nestled into modern vernacular and even more fun facts about birds for kids and parents! 

You'll be in for a feather-ruffling discussion, full of fascinating tidbits and egg-citing puns that will keep you chirping for more, fueled by Ella's infectious enthusiasm for all things avian.

This episode is guaranteed to change the way you think about our feathered friends and might just make you aspire to be a 'bird brain' yourself!

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

In this BUSTING BACK back to school podcast episode, Ella and Jackie go toe-to-toe with school slang! Jackie tests homeschooler Ella on current school slang and school lingo and public school concepts, while Ella does the same for Jackie.

• Have you ever wondered about the ins and outs of traditional schooling from the eyes of a homeschooler? 
• Curious about teen slang and how it compares to the lingo we grew up with? 
• What the heck does "gag me with a spoon" mean?
• Do homeschoolers have teachers?
• Why can't Ella and remember what grade she's in?

From deciphering school terminology to understanding the dynamics of classroom settings, we dive into some public school concepts with hysterical responses from a homeschooled student.

We journey further into the labyrinth of school culture, discussing homecoming dances, dress codes, student councils, and the quintessential school supplies. 

We also take a hilarious detour into the world of teen slang, comparing it to the 1980s' phrases and 80s school lingo from Jackie's childhood.

From 'Stan' and 'brb' to the oh-so-dramatic 'gag me with a spoon', get ready for a barrage of 'aha' moments and giggles. 

So buckle up for a joyride of laughter, insights, and learning with Ella and Jackie on this Parent Busters episode!

Grab a pen and paper for this back-to-school quiz and see how you do!

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*All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.