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What is Justice? Mar 31, 2025

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What is justice, and why is it important? In this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores what justice means and how the courts help make sure laws are fair for everyone. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/justice Our first guest, Maria Martinez-Sanchez, is a lawyer from ACLU New Mexico. She teaches us about the three branches of government and how they work together to make and enforce laws. We learn that there are different kinds of courts, from small local courts to the biggest court in the country, the U.S. Supreme Court. Maria explains how courts handle both criminal cases (when someone is accused of breaking the law) and civil cases (when people have a disagreement that needs to be solved). Maria also helps us understand how a trial works. She talks about how juries decide cases, how judges make sure everything is fair, and how people can appeal if they think a court made a mistake. We hear about important court cases in history, like Brown v. Board of Education, which made it illegal to separate students in schools based on their skin color. The Kids Crew asks Maria lots of questions about laws, fairness, and how courts protect our rights. But did you know that the United States actually has two different kinds of justice systems? Native American tribes have their own tribal courts, which work separately from state and federal courts. Our second guest, Chief Justice Rosanna Toya, helps us understand how tribal courts work. She explains that every tribe has its own way of handling justice—some use a system similar to the U.S. government, while others follow traditional laws passed down for generations. Chief Justice Toya tells us how tribal courts handle problems in their communities, like arguments between neighbors or bigger cases that affect the whole tribe. She explains why it’s important for Native American nations to have their own laws and judges, so they can protect their traditions while keeping people safe and treated fairly. This episode of The Children's Hour takes listeners on a journey to understand what justice is, how courts work, and why different justice systems exist in the U.S. This episode was produced by Katie Stone with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Many thanks to the ACLU-NM Legal Director Maria Martinez Sanchez, and to Chief Justice Roshanna Toya for being with us on the show. The Children's Hour is a production of The Children's Hour Inc., a New Mexico-based nonprofit. Our show is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Sloths Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Learn all about sloths with author Georgeanne Irvine from the San Diego Zoo, and biologist Sam Trull from the Sloth Institute in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. Find out how we can all help protect sloths. This episode comes with a hands-on Learn-Along guide. Find the full episode page with the learning guide at https://childrenshour.org/sloths Sloths live in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, but Tornero lives in San Diego. A favorite at the San Diego Zoo, Tornero is the subject of Georgeanne Irvine’s book, Teaching Tornero: The True Story of a Sloth Superstar. Georgeanne Irvine works in the publishing office at the San Diego Zoo, and has written more than 50 books about animals, but this is the first one about sloths. The kids talk with her about Tornero’s extraordinary life at the San Diego Zoo, and we learn a bit about the different species of sloths. Then, Jo from our Kids Crew reviews Teaching Tornero. The book is geared toward elementary aged kids, and is full of stunning photos of Tornero at the zoo throughout his lifetime. Then we head down to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica where we meet Sam Trull. She is a founder of the Sloth Institute, a conservation organization dedicated to saving sloths who are orphaned, or injured. Sloths in Costa Rica face numerous challenges, including electrocution from the commonplace, uninsulated electrical wiring used throughout the country. Sloths are also prone to becoming orphans as a result of their mothers being injured, killed, and the ever-shrinking habitat they call home. Even the loss of one tree can be devastating for a sloth population. We learn how we can support sloths no matter where we live, by refusing to participate in invasive, exploitive sloth tourism. Sam Trull explains that anywhere people are allowed to interact up close, or pet sloths, they are actually harming the animals. Sloths are solitary, and the best way to enjoy them in the wild is to quietly observe them in the tree canopy while staying far away from them, or seeing them from the ground. Then meet the Paleolithic Ground Sloth, a mega fauna that thrived on the American continent for millions of years until just 11,000 years ago, when humans made them extinct. You can learn more about ground sloths in our Fossils episode, and hear how they interacted with people in our Brief History of the American Southwest for Kids podcast series. This episode was written and produced by our Senior Producer, Christina Stella and Katie Stone, our Executive Producer. Production help was also provided by Thaniel Lentz. We recorded this show at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with help from engineer Chad Scheer. Our Learn-Along guide was written by Lorraine Archibald. © 2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Lucky Diaz Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

What makes music so fun? It brings people together. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we meet Grammy-winning musicians Lucky Diaz and Alicia Gaddis from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. They create songs that families love to sing and dance to—sometimes in English, sometimes in Spanish, and always filled with joy and energy. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/lucky-diaz Lucky and Alicia share their journey as musicians and storytellers. They were the first North American band to ever win a Latin Grammy. They tell us what it was like to receive seven Grammy nominations and finally take home the award for their album ¡Brillo, Brillo! in 2025. Our Kids Crew brings us book reviews of stories written by Lucky and Alicia, including Palitero Man and She Loves Me All the Same. These books celebrate culture, family, and love. Join us and dance to the infectious beats and learn through a lively discussion with the 2025 Best Children’s Release winners, Alicia Gaddis and Lucky Diaz from Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band. Credits: The Children's Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Thaniel Lentz. Our show is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. ©2025 The Children’s Hour Inc, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Seuss Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Children's Hour, we are going to dive into the life and legacy of Dr. Seuss, exploring how he crafted his beloved stories and why his books continue to captivate young readers today. Through engaging discussions, musical interludes, and fascinating insights, we uncover what makes his work so timeless and impactful. Find full episode details at https://childrenshour.org/dr-seuss We were joined by biographer Brian Jay Jones, who wrote Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination. He shared amazing stories about how Dr. Seuss became an author, where he got his ideas, and how he changed children's books forever. Did you know Dr. Seuss wasnt really a doctor? And that he almost gave up after his first book was rejected many times? Brian Jay Jones told us all about it! Dr. Seuss' books arent just fun"they also carry important messages. The Lorax teaches about protecting the environment, Horton Hears a Who reminds us that every voice matters, and The Butter Battle Book shows how silly arguments can grow into big problems. His playful words make reading fun while helping us learn valuable lessons. Throughout the show, we heard songs inspired by Dr. Seuss, and had a lively discussion with our Kids Crew about their favorite Seuss books. Do you have a favorite? Maybe Oh, the Places You'll Go! or Horton Hears a Who!? Grab your Dr. Seuss books and join us as we learn about his incredible life and legacy. National Dr. Seuss Day is celebrated every year on March 2nd, the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This special day is part of Read Across America, a nationwide event that encourages children to discover the joy of reading. Schools, libraries, and communities honor Dr. Seuss' legacy by hosting fun literacy activities, reading his beloved books, and dressing up as favorite Seussian characters. Its a day to inspire a love for storytelling, creativity, and imagination in young readers everywhere! This episode was written and produced by The Children's Hour Inc, and executive producer Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli and Thaniel Lentz. Many thanks to our guest, Brian Jay Jones, for sharing his insights into the world of Dr. Seuss. Our show was recorded at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico by Chad Scheer. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network.

Ella Jenkins Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

This time on The Children's Hour, we celebrate the First Lady of children's music, Ella Jenkins, who died in November 2024 at the age of 100. Learn about her extraordinary life and how she created a whole new genre of music for kids and families.

Black History is American History Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

We explore Black History through stories from Dr. Marsha Hardeman, Professor of Africana Studies at the University of New Mexico.

Eagles Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about the mighty eagle, the king of the skies? In this episode of The Children’s Hour, we take flight with these incredible birds. Eagles are known for their sharp eyesight, powerful wings, and majestic presence. They’re also important symbols in cultures around the world, representing strength and freedom. Find this episode page at https://childrenshour.org/eagles We explore what makes eagles unique, from their incredible hunting skills to their ability to soar at great heights. You’ll learn about the different kinds of eagles, like the bald eagle and golden eagle, and where they live. Did you know that bald eagles aren’t actually bald? Their white feathers just make it look that way! Our Kids Crew takes you on a journey to understand why eagles are so special. We’ll also share fun facts, like how eagles build giant nests called eyries and raise their chicks high up in the trees or cliffs. We’re also thrilled to take you to the Zuni Eagle Sanctuary, a unique aviary where eagles are cared for and honored as part of the Zuni cultural tradition. Kids Crew members Caibiya and Lucasti bring us their field reporting from this incredible place, sharing what they learned about the connection between eagles and the Zuni people. Then, we are joined by Dr. Brian Millsap, a research biologist from New Mexico State University, who shares his insights about eagle behavior and conservation. As we learn about the lives of these predators, we also discover what makes an eagle unique, and how their populations are managing around the globe. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and power of eagles through stories, science, and fun. A favorite bird for so many people around the world, soar with eagles on The Children’s Hour. This episode of The Children’s Hour is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Jensen Blanchard of Albuquerque who passed away on June 20, 2024 at the age of 101. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Naval Chief Petty Officer Blanchard was one of the first women to serve in the military. She was also a devoted listener to The Children’s Hour. “May you have fair winds and following seas.” Episode Credits This episode of The Children’s Hour was produced by Katie Stone and the Kids Crew, along with Gus Tafoya, Sarah Gabrielli, and Thaniel Lentz. Engineering support was provided by Chad Scheer. Special thanks to everyone who contributed their voices, questions, and energy to make this show possible, including the Tsabetsaye family in Zuni Pueblo, and Dr. Brian Millsap at New Mexico State University. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. ©2025 The Children’s Hour Inc. Learn more at ChildrensHour.org.

At The Bottom of the Sea Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

This time on The Children's Hour, the Kids Crew get aboard the JOIDES Resolution, virtually, while the ship is at sea off the coast of Portugal. We meet Amy Mayer, the Onboard Outreach Officer for the JOIDES Expedition 397, and research fellow Saray Sanchez. Find the full episode post at https://www.childrenshour.org/the-bottom-of-the-sea/ We learn how the JOIDES brings up core samples from the ocean floor, that they then slice, x-ray, and study. Some of the soils they are bringing to the surface are over 300 million years old. Scientists aboard the JOIDES stay for a short rotation, and collect as much data as possible. The ship is drilling for core samples 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when they are at the drilling site. The Kids Crew have a lot of questions for Amy and Saray about life on board a scientific research vessel. We also hear a poem by Kenn Nesbitt, from his poetry playground Poetry4Kids.com. Mixed with great music celebrating the sea, get to the bottom of the ocean with us, this time on The Children's Hour. This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Katie Stone at the Sunspot Solar Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA, with production help from Christina Stella and Sarah Gabrielli. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2025 The Children's Hour Inc. All rights reserved.

Best of 2024 Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

Celebrate the best in Kindie musical releases in 2024. We hear from all five Grammy nominees for best children’s release and meet Andre DeShields, the star of the hit kids podcast: Live from Mount Olympus, along with the show founder and showrunner, Julie Burnstein. We've got a Kids Crew review of this podcast, and we keep you dancing, singing and humming for the whole hour. Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/best-of-2024 It's that time of year, when we review all the great music for kids and families, and think about what we love the best. This episode starts with a sample of each of the 2025 Grammy nominees for Best Children's Release, including John Legend, Divinity Roxx, Joanie Leeds and the Jazz Cats, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, and Rock for Children. Which one do you think will win the Grammy award on February 2, 2025? Hear from more of our favorite musical releases of the year, too! There were so many great ones, we couldn't fit them all into this episode, but if you follow our playlist, you can see which bands made the cut. These songs are played throughout the episode. The Kids Crew meet the star of the podcast series Live from Mount Olympus, André DeShields and show creator and showrunner, Julie Burnstein. We learn why Greek myths are something we should all know, and how the show came to be. Live from Mount Olympus is a wildly popular podcast series which can be used in classrooms, or just for fun at home. Marcel from our Kids Crew has a review. This episode of The Children's Hour was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production support from Jacqui Fulton. Chad Scheer is our recording engineer at Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque New Mexico. Thaniel Lentz is our intern. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children's Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Holidays 2024 Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

Get into the holiday spirit with The Children’s Hour as we unwrap the traditions and tunes that make the season magical! 🎁✨ This week, we explore how New Mexicans celebrate Christmas with a unique twist—ever heard of “Christmas” red and green chili on your food? 🌶️ The second graders from Coronado Elementary School’s bilingual classroom teach us all about the state’s iconic chilies, their history, and how they’re grown. 🌟 Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/holidays-2024 Tune in for festive music, fun facts about holiday traditions from around the world, and a special spotlight on how chilies are central to New Mexican culture. From carols to chili ristras, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this heartwarming holiday adventure brought to you by kids, for kids, and kids at heart! ❤️ 🎶 Featuring music from Laurie Berkner, Joanie Leeds, Van Sereno, Ella Jenkins, and more. Plus, hear holiday favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with a TCH twist! This episode of The Children’s Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Ann Lopez. Many thanks to the second grade students in Mrs. Monica Charles' bilingual class at Coronado Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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