Culture Kids

Latest Episodes:

Yuzu & Calamansi: Exploring Citrus Fruits from Japan and the Philippines | Culture Kids Podcast Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Hop aboard the Culture Train for a zesty, globe-trotting citrus adventure! 🍋🌏

Join Kristen and Asher as they take young explorers on an immersive journey to discover two of the world's most extraordinary citrus fruits: Japan's fragrant yuzu and the Philippines' bright and tangy calamansi. Packed with whimsy, wonder, and real cultural learning, this kids' podcast episode turns everyday fruit into a full-on world cultures adventure.

🍊 What Kids Will Experience

This episode opens with lively, sensory-rich storytelling that teaches children what makes a fruit citrus: thick rinds, juicy segments, that unmistakable puckering tang, and the bright, nose-tingling scent that makes citrus fruits instantly recognizable anywhere in the world.

Then the Culture Train departs for two unforgettable destinations:

🇯🇵 Japan: The World of Yuzu

Children discover yuzu, a tangerine-sized, wrinkly Japanese citrus fruit prized more for its intensely fragrant peel than its tart juice. Kids learn how yuzu flavors ponzu sauces, Japanese teas, and yuzu ice cream, and how Japanese families celebrate the winter solstice with aromatic yuzu baths, a beloved sensory tradition that warms both body and spirit.

🇵🇭 The Philippines: The World of Calamansi

Next stop: a sunny calamansi farm in the Philippines! Asher and Kristen explore star-shaped blossoms and tiny round fruits that shift from green to vibrant orange as they ripen. Young listeners are invited to imagine scratching the rind, breathing in the sweet tangy fragrance, and tasting that signature burst of sour-yet-sweet calamansi juice that brightens Filipino noodle dishes, sauces, desserts, and refreshing drinks.

🌱 What Kids Will Learn

What makes a fruit a citrus fruit: rinds, segments, tang, and scent
What yuzu is and how it is used in Japanese cooking and culture
How Japanese families use yuzu during winter solstice celebrations
What calamansi is and how it is used in Filipino food and daily life
How to identify citrus fruits using all five senses
Why fresh fruits cannot cross international borders and how agriculture protection keeps farms and ecosystems healthy worldwide
How to become a Flavor Explorer at home: smelling, tasting, and discovering new fruits at the grocery store

🎒 A Note for Grown-Ups

This episode gently introduces children to global agriculture, food customs, and environmental responsibility. Kids learn why protecting farms from invisible pests and diseases matters for people and nature everywhere. A perfect listen for curious kids ages 4 to 8, multicultural families, and classrooms exploring food, culture, and world geography.

🎙️ About Culture Kids Podcast

Culture Kids is an award-winning, grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit children's podcast delivering free, world-class cultural education for kids ages 4 to 8. Each episode takes young listeners on an immersive audio adventure exploring global cultures, food traditions, animal conservation, social-emotional learning, and the joy of belonging. Created by families, for families, and powered entirely by community support.

Help us keep the Culture Train going:

Support our mission: culturekidsproductions.org
Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, it helps new families discover us!

📲 Stay Connected

Email: culturekidsproductions@gmail.com

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

Website: culturekidsproductions.org

We love hearing from you!

🎬 Episode Credits

Executive Producer, Host, Writer & Editor: Kristen Kim Producer & Host: Asher Kim Academic Consultant: Elisha Li Audio Engineer & Post Production: Robin Lai Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad Sound Design: Envato

Visiting the Home of CHOCOLATE: Inside Lindt’s Sweet World! Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

All aboard the Culture Train, Culture Kids!

In this sweet adventure, Kristen, Asher, and their friend Finley travel all the way to Switzerland to explore the world-famous Lindt Home of Chocolate. From the soaring atrium filled with the aroma of cocoa, to the breathtaking chocolate fountain pouring from a giant golden whisk, this journey takes you inside the magic of Swiss chocolate. With the help of Ms. Leona, an apprentice chocolatier, we learn how Rodolphe Lindt’s invention of the conche transformed chocolate into the smooth, creamy treat we know today. Along the way, the kids discover fun facts about Switzerland’s culture, history, and inventions, and of course...taste plenty of Lindor chocolate!

About Culture Kids

Culture Kids Podcast is a nonprofit family show dedicated to fostering a multicultural mindset in the next generation.

If you’d like to support our mission, please visit culturekidsproductions.org and click on the Support tab.

Connect with us:

culturekidsproductions@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @culturekidsproductions—we love hearing from you!

About Lindt & Sprüngli:

Special thanks to our friends at Lindt & Sprüngli, home of Switzerland’s world-renowned Lindt chocolate, for welcoming us into their Home of Chocolate.

To learn more or plan your own visit, check out www.lindt-home-of-chocolate.com.

And a very big thank you to Finley and his whole family for joining us on this adventure—we’re so grateful to share the journey with you.

Credits:

Executive Producer/Host/Writer/Editor: Kristen Kim

Producer & Host: Asher Kim

Host & Producers: Leona Boomsma, Dominik Cadosch, Lydia Toth

Academic Consultant: Elisha Li

Audio Engineer & Post: Robin Lai

Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad

Sound Design Elements: Envato

Tasting Yoruba Flavors in Nigeria! Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Hop back on the Culture Train and join us for another exciting journey to Lagos, Nigeria! This time, our friend Mr. Taofeek, Co-Founder of Visit Nigeria Now, takes us to one of his favorite spots—House of Pounded Yam—for a delicious dive into traditional Yoruba cuisine.

In this episode, you’ll:

Learn what eeyon (pounded yam) is and how it’s enjoyed with flavorful soups and stews.
Taste (through your imagination!) three beloved Yoruba dishes:
- Ogbono Soup – nutty, earthy, and stretchy, made from bush mango seeds.
- Efo Riro – a rich spinach stew with a spicy kick, palm oil, and tasty proteins like prawns or snails.
- Fisherman’s Soup – a seafood lover’s dream, filled with prawns, crabs, okra, and smoky spices.
Discover the story behind jollof rice and why Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal all claim to make the tastiest version.
Hear about cultural dining traditions, from eating with your hands to sharing food as a way of building community.

Along the way, we explore how food connects people to their heritage, sparks curiosity about the world, and turns every meal into a shared story.

💡 Fun Fact: The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, with rich traditions, their own language, and a vibrant food culture that’s loved around the world.

Special thanks to Mr. Taofeek and the communities of Nigeria for welcoming us so warmly and sharing these incredible flavors and traditions.

🎧 Listen now to taste the culture, hear the laughter, and take your first bite of Lagos’ rich food heritage—without even leaving your seat!
🚨 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 hello@culturekidsmedia.com.

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. 🚂💛

Email: hello@culturekidsmedia.com

Website: http://culturekidsproductions.org

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

Let's Go Swim with Wild Dolphins in California! Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Kristen and Asher invite you to board their magical Culture Kids boat in Long Beach, California, and set sail across glittering Pacific waves to meet playful dolphins in the wild.

Picture the sea breeze, sparkling waves, seabird calls, and our imaginations fully immersed in ocean magic. Asher’s excited to spot dolphins—maybe Common Dolphins joining the ocean party, or Bottlenose, Pacific White-sided, and even the scarred Risso’s with their doodle-like marks.

We explore what dolphins eat (think fish, squid, shrimp, and even jellyfish), learn how orcas are actually dolphins (mind = blown), and gasp when a pod appears, circling and leaping around the boat like nature’s own ballet. We play along in our imagination—snorkels, life jackets, and all—while respecting that in real life, wild dolphins need space.

Underwater, we dive deeper into dolphin superpowers: echolocation clicks, signature whistles (each dolphin’s name song), and self-awareness—yes, dolphins recognize themselves in mirrors! Then, we pivot to an important message—real dolphins face dangers like fishing nets and pollution. Small choices to recycle, reduce plastic, and protect the ocean are big wins for our sea friends.

To wrap up, we sun-dry on the deck, feel joyful, and invite Culture Kids families to dream with us—seahorses, sea turtles, sea creatures not yet discovered. Next up: episodes on Yoruba Cuisine in Nigeria and Swiss Chocolate! Don’t forget to subscribe, spread the word, and help the Culture Train reach more curious hearts around the world.

Stay Connected with Culture Kids!

Website: Visit us online at culturekidsproductions.org for episode info, behind-the-scenes updates, support opportunities, and more.

Instagram: Follow our adventures and fun extras on @culturekidsproductions, where you’ll find reels, stories, and bonus content

Email: Send us a message or DM us for birthday shoutouts or episode requests!

Questions, feedback, or collaboration ideas:

Sources:

https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/marine-mammals/evolution-echolocation?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://nmmf.org/our-work/biologic-bioacoustic-research/biosonar-research/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC33317/?utm

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/11-cool-facts-about-whales-dolphins-and-porpoises

https://2seewhales.com/blog/the-basics-of-dolphin-diets

https://dolphinsandyou.com/do-dolphins-have-names/

Cooking Class Time! Let's Make Pesto in the Hills of Cinque Terre Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Join hosts Asher and Kristen as they board the Culture Train and return to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy! After visiting the colorful cliffside villages, today they head uphill to learn the true art of Ligurian pesto from Ms Barbara—right in her fragrant basil garden with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. From basil grown in nearby Pra’ to marble pestles and pine nuts, discover the traditions and flavors that make pesto à la Genovese so special.

Fasten your imaginary aprons—we’re making pesto the Ligurian way: buzzing basil gardens, marble mortars, and salt-sprinkled sea breezes.
Discover ingredient secrets: sweet Pra’-grown basil, two-year-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh Italian pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and sea salt.
Learn why using a cold marble mortar matters
Cultural connections: hear how veggies, herbs, and cooking pass through generations, from Ms Barbara’s grandmother to our family kitchens.

👩‍🍳 Meet Ms Barbara

A passionate Ligurian cook and educator who learned pesto-making from her grandmother as a child. She now welcomes guests into her hillside Cinque Terre home to share the art of authentic Genovese pesto—a beautiful blend of herbs, history, and Mediterranean flavor.

Visit our website: www.culturekidsproductions.org
Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook & YouTube (@culturekidspodcast)
Email: culturekidspodcast@gmail.com
Interested in grants, donations, or collaborations? Email us at grants@culturekidsmedia.com

🌱 Support our mission: Culture Kids is a grassroots nonprofit keeping our multicultural adventure train rolling—for free—for families everywhere. If you’d like to donate or help us secure grants, please visit our Support page at culturekidsproductions.org/support. Every gift—big or small—helps welcome more children to the global dining table.

For More Information and Visit Ms. Barbara:

https://stayinriomaggiore.com/

Lagos Nigeria for Kids: Lekki Conservation Centre, Yoruba Culture & Africa's Longest Canopy Walkway | Culture Kids Podcast Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

All aboard the Culture Train! We're heading to Lagos, Nigeria! 🇳🇬🌿

Join Kristen and Asher and their local guide Mr. Taofeek, Co-Founder of Visit Nigeria Now, as they tackle Africa's longest canopy walkway at the Lekki Conservation Centre, spot mona monkeys and crocodiles in the wild, learn to say "Ekabo!" in Yoruba, and discover why Nigeria is one of the most vibrant, culturally rich destinations on Earth.

🌿 What Kids Will Experience

Wobbling across Africa's longest canopy walkway high above Lagos treetops
Spotting mona monkeys with cheeky cheek pouches and crocodiles below
Sweeping views of Lagos skyline and the Nigerian shoreline
Learning "Ekabo," meaning Welcome in Yoruba, one of Nigeria's most spoken languages
Discovering how English unites Nigeria's 500+ ethnic groups
Exploring Lagos arts and crafts markets filled with coral and plastic bead treasures
Hearing the incredible traditional Oja flute, a Nigerian cultural treasure

🎵 Discover the Traditional Oja Flute

One of Nigeria's most extraordinary traditional instruments, the Oja flute is featured in this episode. Subscribe, order, and learn more:

YouTube: youtube.com/@Oja_mmuo
Purchase an Oja flute: Message Mr. Ahamefule on Instagram @oja_mmuo
Favorite performances: Watch here and here

🌍 About Visit Nigeria Now

Mr. Taofeek and the Visit Nigeria Now team share the breathtaking beauty of Nigeria, from waterfalls to city lights, with travelers around the world.

Instagram: @visit_nigeria_now
Facebook: Visit Nigeria Now

🎙️ About Culture Kids Podcast

Culture Kids is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit children's podcast delivering free, immersive, screen-free cultural education for kids ages 4 to 8. Three Webby Awards. Apple Podcasts Essential. Five-star Common Sense Media. Gold Anthem Award. 90+ cultural organization partners worldwide.

🌈 Support Culture Kids

Donate: culturekidsmedia.com/support
Website: culturekidsproductions.org
Instagram: @culturekidsproductions
Email: hello@culturekidspodcast.com
Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

🎬 Credits

Hosts: Kristen and Asher Kim Featured Guest: Mr. Taofeek, Visit Nigeria Now Education Consultant: Elisha Li Post Production: Robin Lai Produced & Edited by: Kristen Kim Nonprofit Consultant: Ami Awad Sound FX & Music: Envato Elements, Archive.org, @oja_mmuo

Cinque Terre for Kids: Exploring Italy's Five Lands, Pesto, Gelato & the Ligurian Coast | Culture Kids Podcast Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Hop aboard the Culture Train and travel to one of Italy's most magical destinations! 🇮🇹🌊

Join Kristen and Asher as they explore Cinque Terre, the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site perched along the cliffs of the Ligurian coast in northern Italy. From sparkling turquoise seas and rainbow-colored clifftop homes to fresh basil pesto, golden olive oil, and creamy Italian gelato, this kids' podcast episode is bursting with sensory surprises, cultural discoveries, and joyful learning for children and families everywhere.

🏡 What Is Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre, which means "Five Lands" in Italian, is one of Italy's most beloved and protected destinations. Five colorful fishing villages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, cling dramatically to the rocky Ligurian coastline, connected by scenic hiking trails, ferries, and a historic railway line. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected as a national park, Cinque Terre is a living example of how communities and nature can thrive together across centuries.

In this episode, families meet Ms. Anna from Cinque Terre dal Mare, a local expert who brings the Five Lands to life through stories, traditions, and a few very good jokes.

🌿 What Kids Will Learn

What "Cinque Terre" means in Italian and how to pronounce it
The names of all five towns and how families can visit each one
Why the houses in Cinque Terre are painted such vivid, beautiful colors
What makes Ligurian basil pesto and Cinque Terre olive oil taste uniquely extraordinary
How lemon trees, olive groves, and terraced hillside farms have shaped the culture and landscape for centuries
Why Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and what that designation means
How the Cinque Terre National Park protects both nature and local traditions
What sustainable travel looks like and why it matters for places like Cinque Terre
How Italian coastal communities have preserved their culture, food, and way of life across generations

🍋 Food, Culture & Sensory Discoveries

This episode is a full sensory journey through Italian coastal life. Kids discover:

Pesto: Born in Liguria, made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and the region's prized olive oil
Olive oil: Why Ligurian olive oil has a lighter, more delicate flavor than other Italian varieties
Gelato: The difference between gelato and ice cream, and why Italian gelato is a cultural institution
Seaside hiking: The famous Cinque Terre trail system and what walkers see along the cliffs

🧳 Plan Your Visit to Cinque Terre

Inspired to visit? Here are the resources featured in this episode:

Stay in Riomaggiore: stayinriomaggiore.com
Cinque Terre dal Mare Boat Tours: cinqueterredalmare.com

Cinque Terre is best explored on foot, by ferry, or by train. Families are encouraged to book in advance, respect the national park rules, and travel sustainably to help protect this extraordinary place for generations to come.

🎙️ About Culture Kids Podcast

Culture Kids is an award-winning, grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit children's podcast delivering free, world-class cultural education for kids ages 4 to 8. Every episode is an immersive, screen-free audio adventure exploring global cultures, world geography, food traditions, animal conservation, social-emotional learning, and the joy of belonging. Created by families, for families, and powered entirely by community support.

Apple Podcasts Essential designation
Three Webby Awards including People's Choice
Five-star Common Sense Media rating
Gold Anthem Award winner
90+ cultural organization partners worldwide

⭐ Leave Us a Review

Loving the Culture Train? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and you could be featured in a future episode! Reviews help new families discover us and keep our little nonprofit going strong.

🌈 Support Culture Kids

Culture Kids is free for every family in the world because of donors like you. Every dollar helps us keep creating immersive, joyful cultural education for children everywhere.

Donate: culturekidsmedia.com/support
Website: culturekidsproductions.org
General inquiries: hello@culturekidsmedia.com
Grants and partnerships: grants@culturekidsmedia.com

🎬 Episode Credits

Hosts & Producers: Kristen Kim and Asher Kim Featured Guest: Ms. Anna, Cinque Terre dal Mare Audio Engineer: Robin Lai Academic Consultant: Elisha Li Sound Design & Music: Culture Kids Productions

Narwhals Are Real?! ❄️🌍 Dive Into the Arctic’s Coolest Secret Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

🦄❄️ Special Guest: Senna (age 13!)

Hop aboard the Culture Train and grab your warmest winter gear, because we’re heading to the icy Arctic to meet one of the most magical creatures in the ocean—the narwhal! Sometimes called the unicorn of the sea, narwhals are full of surprises… including a super long tusk that’s actually a tooth! 🦷🌀

Join Asher, Kristen, and our amazing guest Senna as we:

Play a game of Narwhal True or False 🐋❓
Explore the chilly home of narwhals—the Arctic Circle ❄️🌍
Dive beneath the ice to hear real narwhal sounds 🫧🎶
Spot polar bears and learn about midnight sun & polar night 🌞🌌
Learn about the deep connection between narwhals and Inuit communities 💛

💡 You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might even feel like a narwhal yourself by the end of this underwater adventure.

🌟 Plus, a special shoutout to 7-year-old listener Marlena for her awesome 5-star review and ancient Egypt request—we see you, Culture Kid!

🎒 Want to support our mission? Culture Kids is a volunteer-run nonprofit on a big journey to help families embrace differences, celebrate identity, and explore the world through sound. Visit culturekidsproductions.org to support, donate, or just say hi!

🎙️ Next stops on the Culture Train: Nigeria, Vietnam, and more!
Hit subscribe so you don’t miss a beat—and share this episode with friends, teachers, and fellow explorers! 🌍✨

To donate: (and receive a special shoutout!)

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

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

This episode was made possible by Arthur M Blank Family Foundation:

https://blankfoundation.org/

Bean Sprouts Have Muscles in Ipoh, Malaysia! Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

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!

Let's Go Meet Pikachu in the Viridian Forest! Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

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!
• Support us via our website to fuel more global adventures.
• Share, rate, and review on Apple or Spotify—it means the world!
• 🥰 DM or email us with your favorite Pokémon moment or shoutout—who knows, we might feature you next!

Email: hello@culturekidsmedia.com

Website: http://culturekidsproductions.org