Good Stuff Kids

Ethan Berlin has contributed in many different ways to the world of Kids Media.  He's made apps, he's worked on TV Shows, he's the voice of L.I.S.A from the Pants on Fire Podcast, hosts a public access show for kids, and he's also an author.  I had the opportunity to meet and work with Ethan, and I knew that he would be a perfect guest for the Good Stuff Kids Podcast.  After all, he makes funny stuff for kids, and we all need more funny stuff in our lives.  Got something that you think is good stuff?  Email me!  mike@goodstuffpod.com  Continue reading Episode #208 – Ethan T. Berlin on the site.

This one is a blast of fun and joy!  Mr. Tommy and I hit it off right away and we had an awesome conversation as he set up for his concert at the Florida State Fair.  He even sang me a song! "Mr. Tommy, Tommy Girvin, is a dynamic performer, entertainer, author & educator with 35+ years of experience as a touring rock musician and musical director with the famous rock singer Eddie Money. Mr. Tommy’s mission is to bring children joy, encourage imagination & creativity and build self-esteem through music and musical experiences.  Mr. Tommy’s Mobile Music Bus that is an ongoing, ever changing, enchanting and inspiring music and exercise enrichment program. Endorsed by the Early Learning Coalition, this music classroom on wheels brings a fun, active, dynamic, and educational music session to pre-schools and children’s events that serves over 300+ kids a week." Stay tuned until the end of the show for his songs 'Hippopotamus' and  'If I was a Fish'.  They're both instant classics! Continue reading Episode #207 – Mr Tommy on the site.

Funky Farms and Martians!  It's all fair game for Beth Jean and her music that is so perfect for families.  "Beth Jean's knack for writing catchy, clever songs is enriched with her memorable style and talent of creating lively sets for various media that makes for a unique niche in today's children's market. Her DIY spirit has allowed her to produce an unforgettable world of sparkling images, hooky tunes and family friendly sketches."  Sparkles galore! Unicorns! Continue reading Episode #206 – Beth Jean on the site.

“Swamp Romp,” is the brand new Louisiana dance party album from Johnette and Scott. Johnette is a well-known musician and children’s book author, and Scott is a 3-time GRAMMY winning producer and A&R director at Rounder Records.” It’s a tasty gumbo of awesome music that your family will love. Johnette and Scott have created “a tasty mélange of musical styles which is reflected in these 15 child-friendly songs (mostly original; one was adapted traditional Cajun tune).” Be sure to listen to the song ‘Bamboula Rhythm’ and learn about what the Bamboula Rhythm is from the brand new album ‘Swamp Romp”. Continue reading Episode #205 – Johnette and Scott on the site.

Two Good Stuff Family favorites are back to talk about new records and so much more.  I caught Lucky Diaz right before he was about to leave on tour and we talked about the Lucky Band's 'Buenos Diaz', as well as the new band name and look.  We also, obviously, talked about Pee Wee's big adventure and a whole lot more.  You can hear the song 'Buenos Dias' at the end of the show.  "With 11 songs vibrantly arranged by GRAMMY-winning producer Dean Jones, Buenos Diaz is a bilingual celebration of family life. Lucky and Alisha are celebrating a decade of creating exciting media for children as Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. Now touring as The Lucky Band, their refreshingly retro Space Age look reflects the modern vintage sound the new music.Our guy, Randy Kaplan, also came back to talk about his brand new album 'Shake It And Break It', in which he puts his signature stamp on delta and ragtime blues classics.  He also gave me a bit of a history lesson on some music that I don't know much about.  You can hear the incredible 'Shake It And Break It' at the end of the show.  "Shake It and Break It, a collection of pre-WWII country blues, ragtime, and Delta blues classics retrofitted with lyrics that sing of characters  living in a zany, brainy world of nonstop, rapid-fire comedy." Continue reading Episode #204 – Lucky Diaz / Randy Kaplan Return on the site.

When my kids need to chill, and they often need to chill, we put on Little Stories for Tiny People.  When they don't want to sleep we put on Little Stories for Tiny People.  On long car rides?  Yep, Little Stories for Tiny People.  It was so good to talk to Rhea Pechter, fellow podcaster and member of Kids Listen about her show and what inspires her to do the things she does.  Rhea has one of the most creative shows out there.  She's 100% original.  Her show is "perfect for bleary-eyed parents, innovative teachers, and at-wits'-end babysitters looking for an alternative and non-annoying way to engage the toddlers and young kids they love at bedtime or any time!" Continue reading Episode #203 – Rhea Pechter (Little Stories for Tiny People) on the site.

Uncle Ty-Rone is a ventriloquist, puppeteer, and comedian who found his passion when he was young.  He was so interested in being a ventriloquist that it even helped him learn how to read.  Uncle Ty-Rone also does not forget where he came from and all of the people that helped him along the way.  "A professional since 1994, comedian and ventriloquist Uncle Ty-Rone got his big break at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he learned how to attract and entertain large crowds.  Ever since, the Virginia native has been sharing his love for entertaining where ever he can find people who want to laugh and enjoy good clean fun. He has appeared at comedy clubs, fairs, festivals, libraries, corporate events, educational venues all across the country to well satisfied audiences." Continue reading Episode #202 – Uncle Ty-Rone on the site.

It's the first crossover episode between the Good Stuff Kids Podcast and Menschite: Modern Jewish Dadding.  Menschite is a collection of many different authors sharing their authentic stories of fatherhood.  It's for a new generation of Jewish dads who are writing new rules and re-writing some old ones… for lots of different reasons.  On that note it was great to talk to KB Whirly, himself a Jewish Dad, about his brand new record 'Now That We're Home'.  The record is a collection of lullabies and love songs written by a father for his family.  You can hear the love flowing from the song 'Place Called Home', which you can hear at the end of the episode.   Continue reading Episode #201 – KB Whirly Returns (A Menschite Crossover Episode) on the site.

200 episodes. I’ve talked to so many incredible people who are using their talents to create art - music/books/movies/games/podcasts - for families. It’s been an honor and a genuine joy to create so many relationships with people around the world. Truly. The Good Stuff Kids Podcast has gone global. From All over the United States, to England, to Australia and New Zealand.Episode 200 features Marsha Goodman-Wood from Marsha and the Positrons. We talk science, and so much more. Marsha is the perfect example of why I do this podcast. She’s making good stuff for kids and families and more people should know about it!  Listen to her song ‘Positrons’ and I guarantee you’ll learn something and you'll want to know what else she's cooking up in the lab! Continue reading Episode #200 – Marsha and the Positrons on the site.

Want to be a happier parent? Luckily I had a chance to talk to KJ Dell’Antonia about her book, “How To Be A Happier Parent”. I’d really like to be a happier parent, wouldn’t we all? I was so grateful for KJ’s insights and advice. “KJ Dell’Antonia is a writer and a regular contributor to the New York Times, where she wrote and edited the Motherlode blog from 2011 until 2016 and was a contributing editor to the Well Family section from 2016-2017. Continue reading Episode #199 – KJ Dell’Antonia on the site.

I had the amazing opportunity to talk to Ben Rudnick.  We talked about family music, the Grateful Dead, and musicals.  Some of my favorite stuff!  "The award-winning music of Ben Rudnick and Friends, Boston-based pioneers of the kindie music scene, has delighted families nationwide for nearly two decades.  Propelled by a sonic boom of critical praise crowned by seven Parents' Choice® Awards and a John Lennon Songwriting Award."  You can hear Ben's song 'A Frog Named Sam' at the end of the show.  Find all of the past episodes at www.goodstuffpod.com !!! Continue reading Episode #198 – Ben Rudnick on the site.

Let's get to know Ants Ants Ants!  "With stylistic nods to 1970’s era Sesame Street, School House Rock, and "The Point" by Harry Nilsson, Ants Ants Ants recalls the best elements of a fun and fanciful childhood – the thrill of knocking down a tower of blocks; the fun of imagining what your dog is thinking; a make believe world where nocturnal animals meet in the park at night to play games. Continue reading Episode #197 – Ants Ants Ants on the site.

Do you know what Toddlerbilly is?  You're about to, Matt Heaton is on the show and he's got some great music to share with you and your family.  Matt believes that "Music for kids can be entertaining and enjoyable for both children and their parents. This is the mandate behind Matt Heaton's kid music, a style he calls "toddlerbilly." His songs are a mix of Rockabilly, Surf, American Roots, and Irish traditional music, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a serious sense of fun."  You can hear Matt's song 'Hop, Wiggle, Waddle' at the end of the show.  It gives you a real sense of what Toddlerbilly is.  You'll be so glad to have Matt and his music as part of your life! Continue reading Episode #196 – Matt Heaton on the site.

I talked to Claudia Gunn while she was on vacation and watching the ocean in orNew Zealand.  I was immensly jealous for two reasons:  1.  She lives in New Zealand and 2.  She was on vacation... IN NEW ZEALAND.  Then it got even better.  We got into talking about the music she makes for families.  Her Little Wild Music project "is a little creative endeavour with a big mission: to celebrate the magic in every extraordinary day of childhood. Stay tuned all the way to the end to hear Claudia's song 'Everywhere Stars'. Continue reading Episode #195 – Claudia Gunn on the site.

It's a double whammy!  Welcome back to Mister G as well as Sonshine and Broccoli!  Mister G gave me the scoop on his new album 'Fireflies' and Sonshine and Broccoli filled me in on 'It's Cool To Be Kind'.  I also was able to meet Mister and Mrs. G when they came to visit Houston.  They're the best!  And so are Sonshine and Broccoli! Continue reading Episode #194 – Mister G / Sonshine and Broccoli on the site.