Good Stuff Kids

It can take a lot to calm down a tired baby.  Since the beginning of time parents have struggled to get their children to go to sleep.   I'm tired.  Really tired, and I was so lucky to have this conversation with Angela James to make my day better.  Angela James' album "Quiet Night'",which is a collection of lullabies made for weary parents by weary parents.  It is a beautiful and carefully crafted album inspired by James' own experiences as a new mother and with battling postpartum depression.'     "What began with humming as a coping mechanism to calm both her daughter and herself in her postpartum fog, evolved into this collection of fully formed and arranged lullabies. The instrumentation on the album; voice, classical guitar, bass clarinet, bassoon and vibraphone, is unique and deliberately in the mid-to-low tonal range, creating a serene but captivating soundscape. The concept of the album is to help set the stage for a child’s restful sleep and to support and soothe parents during the demanding and exh

Lissa Schneckenburger has put out an incredibly personal and important record.  It's called 'Thunder In My Arms' and it tells a story of adoption and foster children.  She uses her music to communicate her very real experience.  I will admit that talking to Lissa was very emotional for me.  I greatly admire her strength and dedication to her child and the time and care that went into her song writing process.  Please support Lissa and other parents who give so much of themselves to help kids who need love, support, shelter, and care by visiting the National Foster Parent Association Be sure to listen to the song 'I Need Us Together'.  You will be moved and you will understand. Continue reading Episode #222 – Lissa Schneckenburger on the site.

What's similar about the amazing combo of peanut butter and raisins on celery, and a science teacher and music therapist making music for kids?  Well, both equations end up in something tasty!  Ants on a Log!!!!!!!!  As you know there was a Climate Change Walkout last week, and I know that my friends Julie and Anya are mega supporters of bringing awareness to that very important issue.  In fact, their latest album, 'Curious: Think Outside The Pipeline', is a funny climate action musical for kids and parents! You'll love this conversation.  Stay tuned all the way to the end to hear the song 'Curious'. Continue reading Episode #221 – Ants On A Log on the site.

Skinnamarink!  It was an honor to speak with Sharon & Bram on the occasion of, well, everything!  There is so much depth and history to their story and I just loved listening to them share their wisdom and experiences.  "Before there was Dora, Nickelodeon introduced the trio Sharon, Lois & Bram and their Elephant Show to American TV viewers, and, later on, even more families became fans by watching them on Skinnamarink TV on TLC. Decade after decade of enthusiastic live audiences and treasured recordings attest to the depth of love and joy generated by the simple power of the group's music." They are still putting out singles, and a new book is on the way soon.  Stay tuned all the way to the end of the show to hear Sharon & Bram's brand new 'The Colour Song' which features Colin Mochrie (from Whose Line Is It Anyway)! Continue reading Episode #220 – Sharon & Bram on the site.

Earworms!  Ya know, those songs that get stuck in your head?  Well, Sean McCollough knows all about them!  Sean is a radio host for the KidStuff Show on WDVX and you know what that means?  He's certified and bonafied!  He knows his music and it was a blast to talk to him about all of his experiences in the music world. "Sean McCollough has been entertaining and educating families and school groups with his energetic shows since the mid-90s. He has been compared to Pete Seeger and John McCutcheon for his use of traditional music and storytelling as well as his charismatic performances. Sean plays the guitar, banjo and mandolin and draws heavily on the music of the Appalachian Mountains, mixing world music, original songs, and other contemporary sounds into his performances that are built around audience participation" If you're a fan of music that's great then you and your family will love Sean.  You can hear the song 'Earworm' at the end of the show. Continue reading Episode #219 – Sean McCollough on th

“These songs come from a place of exhaustion, bewilderment and pure love,” says Nashville-based singer/songwriter Dawn Landes of My Tiny Twilight, a six-song collection out May 10 on Yep Roc Records. “I found myself singing to my daughter constantly to soothe her, entertain her, and pass the time, says Landes. “The first song I wrote was “Hushabye.” I couldn’t get her to stop crying so I sat at the piano and played until she quieted down. She responded to the melody and it became pretty useful in those first months.” You can also hear the whole song 'I'm Your Mama' at the end of the show.  How about the video that Dawn directed herself?  Check it! https://youtu.be/ibw8RNiDybI Continue reading Episode #218 – Dawn Landes on the site.

"Alina Celeste's music is creative, joyous, and eclectic, much like her hometown, Miami, Florida. As a child, she thrived in a multi-cultural, multi-generational environment that held no reservations about the phrase "I love you ... Te quiero."  Be sure to check out her song 'Love Is', which is the title track of the album at the end of the show! As Alina explains, "After living in Los Angeles and touring America for the better part of a decade, when I moved back to Miami, I realized how much my childhood was blessed by this uncommon metropolis. It became my mission to share my hometown's culture with the world at large and to celebrate the many loving relationships that have been part of my life. The album title, Love is Te Quiero, makes me smile because it is reflective of how people often speak in Miami -- saying something in one language and then immediately in the other!"" Continue reading Episode #217 – Alina Celeste on the site.

Where is the intersection of small business, interior decorating, competitive and award winning baking, fudge, being a dog adopter, and writer?  Well, I'm glad you asked... It's Sherri Schwartz!  And she's on the Good Stuff Kids Podcast. She shares her story of dog adoption and the book that she wrote about the experience in her book "Are You Love?" and ALMOST convinces me that the Good Stuff Family is ready for a puppy.  You can get Sherri's book wherever you get your books. As Sherri says, "it's all about the ribbons". Continue reading Episode #216 – Sherri Schwartz on the site.

Renee Stahl continues to give parents and kids great music to have as the soundtrack of their lives.  "Renee Stahl returns to sing with a stellar ensemble of musical friends for her second Renee & Friends album, Kindred, set for release on April 12, 2019. Kindred is an exquisitely nuanced masterpiece of effervescent reflections, messages of kindness, empowerment, and community, and, above all, impeccable standards of singing and playing music. The album sparkles with contributions from such luminaries as 8-time GRAMMY winner Ziggy Marley, GRAMMY winner Lisa Loeb, GRAMMY winner Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Chris Stills. Also sharing their considerable talents are Jennifer Paskow, Renee's daughters Amelia and Isadora Dektor, and Jeremy Toback, her longtime collaborator in the beloved family duo Renee & Jeremy." Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear the incredible new song and title track 'Kindred'. Continue reading Episode #215 – Renee Stahl on the site

The Shazzbots are an "Intergalactic rock band and champions of music, art and all things creative, blast off for adventure in their Space Winnebago, to spread their rockin’ tunes to all the children of the cosmos!  For over 10 years, The Shazzbots have been entertaining kiddos and parents of all ages with their unique brand of music, adventure and fun!" I got to talk to Ian, The Captain, about the Shazzbots and the music they make as well as their Emmy winning television show!  Make sure you check out their song 'On the Playground' from their new album 'Lightspeed'. Continue reading Episode #214 – The Shazzbots (Ian Hummel) on the site.

"Andy Gutman is a songwriter, children's book author and businessman in the metro-Detroit area. His love of books, reading and writing began early on. He'll tell you he's not a musician, but he has a passion for songwriting. When he was young he would jot down lyrics in journals and then set the journal aside, not certain what, if anything, he would do with them. As they sat collecting dust, he pursued a career in finance and commercial real estate. Although he puts in long hours on the job, he's never lost sight of his creative dreams. Since that time, Gutman worked with various artists who sang and produced the more than 300 songs he's penned, because "nobody wants to hear [him] sing." Recently he turned his creative visions into four children's books, which all began as songs. His books are written in a lyrical style amidst vibrant illustrations. His most recent book, Charlie the Caterpillar: What Can I Be Today?, is a 38-page story, conceived by Gutman and his daughter Riley, that focuses on the dreams th

Diversity, Multi-Culturalism, Acceptance! That’s just a small part of the message from Australia’s own The Cuddly Koalas. They are also helping young hip hop fans talk about their emotions. We got into talking about Hip Hop and how it can reach all audiences. Q-Tip, if you’re listening, we love you!! The Cuddly Koalas are a famiily affair, so be sure to listen in and check out their song ‘Feelings’, which is a partnership with Kids Helpline. Continue reading Episode #212 – The Cuddly Koalas on the site.

Dana and I had a great chat on the Good Stuff Hotline.  She shared her passion and enthusiasm for creating high quality content for kids.  You can hear it in her music and see it in the video series that she makes.  Check out her youtube channel!  Quality galore!   She also teaches classes, and records music.  Be sure to check out her song 'Jump and Jive' at the end of the episode. "CHILD magazine calls her energy and enthusiasm “contagious” and named Dana as one of the “Top Five Kids’ Singers You Should Know.” Over the past twenty years, children across America have been singing, stomping, jumping and cheering as Dana has performed across the nation with her upbeat tunes and bubbly personality. Incorporating both familiar favorites and original songs from her five popular recordings, Dana’s dynamic performances stimulate imaginations, inspire interaction and introduce children to nearly every style of music." Continue reading Episode #211 – Dana’s Music Playground on the site.

The multi-talented Craig Pomranz joins me to talk about his book, Made By Raffi, and so much more! Inspired by a true-life incident, Made By Raffi is the story of a little boy who likes to knit and sew -- at first he is teased for his hobby, but in the end he becomes a hero to his class. Recently released in Chinese and Korean the Made by Raffi is now published in 8 languages and 11 countries so far by UK publishers Frances Lincoln. Award-winning artist Margaret Chamberlain is the illustrator. Craig wrote the book to support young boys and girls who are perceived as "different" because of their appearance or hobbies. It is a funny colorful book with a serious message and will interest those who care about promoting diversity and embracing our differences, as well as all children seeking to fit in. Additionally, composers Amanda McBroom (Bette Midler’s “The Rose”) and Michele Brourman (The Land Before Time) wrote a song “Different” which you can hear at the end of the episode. Continue reading Episode #21

Derek McKinley and I immediately became best friends as we started talking.  We covered all kinds of topics like Japan, skiing, teaching, and of course the music that Derek makes.  Derek cares for children and children's rights as well as the environment and his music reflects that!  "The main goal of Sing Song Party Time is to provide fun and creative children’s music with an emphasis on healthy living and environmental awareness so that children will feel empowered to live full and happy lives." Be sure to listen to his song 'Llama Lou' at the end of this episode!  Email mike@goodstuffpod.com with question or if you think you have good stuff to share! Continue reading Episode #209 – Sing Song Party Time (Derek McKinley) on the site.

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 #

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 th