💌 We are actively seeking grant opportunities and connections to sustain our show and expand our vision—if you know of any leads or would like to collaborate, please reach out to us at grants@culturekidsmedia.com or hello@culturekidsmedia.com. 💌

*************

⚠️ Meditation Safety Note:

This episode includes a short guided meditation. Please do not listen to the meditation portion while driving, biking, or operating any kind of vehicle or machinery. It’s best enjoyed when you're seated safely or lying down in a calm, quiet space. 🧘🏽‍♀️🌿

*************

Grab your imaginary passport and hop on the Culture Train 🚂 because we’re heading back to the breathtaking Hsi Lai Temple in California! 🏞️ This episode is all about discovering the peaceful world of Buddhism — where ancient wisdom, colorful flags, and quiet meditation help guide us toward compassion, mindfulness, and inner calm. 🧘🏽‍♀️💛

👩‍👦 Join your hosts Kristen and Asher as they meet the kind and wise Venerable Hui Cheng again for a magical adventure filled with:

✨ Peaceful gardens, golden statues & chanting monks

🙏 Secret greetings like the lotus mudra and "Omituofo"

🎨 Learning about the beautiful meanings behind the Buddhist flag

🧘🏽‍♂️ Trying a real meditation session to calm the “monkey mind”

🥢 Discovering yummy vegetarian food served with love

💡 PLUS! You’ll hear about what makes each color on the Buddhist flag so special—and how even one tiny breath can help us feel more peaceful inside.

🌼 Stay till the end to hear Venerable Hui Cheng’s inspiring message:

“Do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts.” ❤️

💬 Try This at Home!

What brings you peace and joy? Draw it, share it, or breathe with it. Maybe it’s a cozy blanket, a pet snuggle, or blowing out birthday candles super slooowly 🎂💨

⭐️ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify—it helps our Culture Train reach more families like yours!

🌐 Want to support our journey? Visit www.culturekidsproductions.org to make a donation—big or small, your love helps us grow. 🌱

We are looking

***********************************

🌸 About Hsi Lai Temple 🌸

Hsi Lai Temple (pronounced shee lie) means “Coming West” in Chinese and was built to share the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism. It’s one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Western Hemisphere, nestled in the hills of Hacienda Heights, California. 🇺🇸🧘🏾‍♂️

Built in traditional Chinese architectural style, the temple features majestic red gates, peaceful lotus ponds, serene gardens, and stunning statues of the Buddha. 🪷🛕 It serves as a cultural and spiritual center for the community and offers educational programs, meditation classes, vegetarian meals, and more!

Founded by Fo Guang Shan, a global Buddhist organization from Taiwan, Hsi Lai Temple is part of a network of over 300 branch temples around the world. 🌍

Whether you're visiting to explore, learn, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet, the temple welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. ❤️

🌐 Connect with Hsi Lai Temple Online

Explore more about Hsi Lai Temple, their events, and teachings through their official channels:

• Website: www.hsilai.org
• Instagram: @hsilaitemple
• LinkedIn: Hsi Lai Temple

Follow them to stay updated on upcoming events, cultural activities, and more!

🎙️ Discover 'Bodhi Light Tales' – A Podcast for Kids!

Looking for more Buddhist stories and wisdom tailored for young listeners? Check out Bodhi Light Tales, a charming podcast featuring short stories of Buddhism by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, narrated by Venerable Miao Guang. Each episode offers engaging tales that impart valuable lessons on mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom—perfect for Culture Kids like you! 🌟

Listen to Bodhi Light Tales on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. 🎧

🌍 ✨ Grab your imaginary passports, Culture Kids—because we’re heading to Shalem Preschool to learn about… Passover! ✨🌍

In this heartfelt episode, Asher and Kristen visit Rabbi Selilah at Shalem Preschool to learn about one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays🕊️🍞

👂🏽 Tune in to hear:

• The incredible story of Moses, Pharaoh, and the parting of the sea 🌊
• Why matzah is more than just a cracker 🍪 (hint: it tells a story!)
• What a seder is and how kids get to play a starring role 🎭
• The meaning behind songs, skits, salty water dips—and guacamole?! 🥑🎶
• A beautiful reminder that traditions can be both meaningful and fun 💛

🎉 Special shoutouts to Audrey from Queens, NY and Ravid from for inspiring this episode, and to listener LnM135 for the amazing 5-star Apple review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💡 This episode is all about:

Belonging, bravery and remembering important stories passed down from generation to generation. Whether you celebrate Passover or not, we hope this episode helps you reflect on your family’s stories—and how we can all take care of each other. ❤️

📣 CALL TO ACTION:

Know someone who’d love this episode? Send it their way! 📨 Since we don’t have a marketing budget, your shares and support help Culture Kids grow and reach families around the world. 🌎💫

🌟 Support Culture Kids!

We’re a small but mighty nonprofit creating inclusive, joyful, and meaningful audio adventures for kids. Want to support our mission or help fund more episodes like this one?

👉 Visit us at: www.culturekidsproductions.org

📧 Email us: hello@culturekidspodcast.com

💖 Support our work: Share the show, leave a review, or help us find grant/foundation support!

🎧 Join Asher and Kristen as they travel through time and taste buds in this sweet and PUFFY pastry adventure!

Grab your imaginary passports, pack your taste buds, and hop aboard the Culture Train 🚂 because today… we’re diving fork-first into the fluffy, magical world of soufflés! 🍫🍋🧀

In this episode:

✨ We explore the coastline of South Bay, California to search for the perfect soufflé

📚 Travel back in time to 18th-century France to meet legendary pastry chefs 👨‍🍳👒

🥚 Learn why folding egg whites is a science and an art

🎩 Discover how soufflés rose (literally!) to fame in fancy Parisian cafés

🍽️ Find out how soufflés spread worldwide, from New York to Palestine to Mexico!

🤯 Hear about the biggest soufflé ever made (spoiler: it’s HUGE)

🍫 And taste-test a warm chocolate soufflé fresh out of the oven—yum! 😋

A big shoutout to our Culture Kids listener Anya from NYC for suggesting this episode, and to Lucas for his kind 5-star review and Nicaragua request—we’re on it! 🌍💌

📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and reach out to us for birthday shoutouts and episode ideas—we LOVE hearing from you! 💛

Love Culture Kids? 🌟

Please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and drop a comment on Spotify—we’d LOVE to hear from you and feature your shoutouts on a future episode! 💬💛

Visit our website: www.culturekidsproductions.org

Follow us on Instagram: @culturekidsproductions for behind-the-scenes fun, updates, and adorable photos from our episodes!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

🌙🌸🕊️ Coming up soon: special episodes on Passover, Kimchi and so much more!

Hop aboard the Culture Train and join Kristen, Asher, and special guest Ms. Ghena for a magical trip to Cairo, Egypt during the holy month of Ramadan! 🌟

In this episode, we:

🕌 Learn what Ramadan means to Muslims and how it’s celebrated in Egypt

🌇 Discover the beauty of Cairo’s lantern-lit streets during this special month

🍽️ Join Ms. Ghena and her family for iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast

🗣️ Hear about traditions like suhoor, family visits, and tasty Egyptian dishes like molokhia and mashee!

🛍️ Explore colorful Ramadan lanterns and hear the story behind why they light up the streets of Cairo

Asher even tries out some Arabic and compares lantern shapes from other cultures—and we learn why Ramadan feels like a beautiful, late-night celebration of community.

🎙️ Special Guest:

Ms. Ghena, a university student in Cairo who speaks eight languages and welcomes us into her home for a warm, unforgettable iftar experience.

🎈 For Families:

Whether you're observing Ramadan or learning about it for the first time, this episode is a celebration of community, cultural traditions, and connection. Don’t forget to say “Ramadan Mubarak!” to friends and neighbors this month.

🧡 Culture Kids Reminder:

No matter where you're from or what traditions you practice, you and your family are welcomed, included, and celebrated for exactly who you are. Every child belongs here at Culture Kids.

🎁 Listener Shoutout:

Thank you to Sara Mun and family for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re so happy your little ones love the show.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

📝 For birthday shoutouts or just to say hi, email us anytime at culturekidspodcast@gmail.com

📲 Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an adventure!

🌏✨ Pack your imaginary passports because today, we’re off on an adventure to Hsi Lai Temple in California to learn all about Buddhism!

In this episode, we meet Venerable Hui Cheng, a Buddhist monk, who takes us on a peaceful journey through the temple. We learn:

🔹 What Buddhism is and how people practice it

🔹 Why monks wear special robes

🔹 What karma means (hint: good deeds bring good things!)

🔹 Why temples are so peaceful 🏯

🔹 A fun story about the Buddha’s journey from a young prince to an enlightened teacher! 👑➡️🧘‍♂️

🌟 Special shoutouts to our listener friends Fred and Liam who requested this episode! 🙌

Located in Hacienda Heights, California, Hsi Lai Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Western Hemisphere! It’s a place for meditation, learning, and cultural activities, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds to explore Buddhism and find peace.

📍 Visit Hsi Lai Temple:

🌐 Website: https://www.hsilai.org

📅 Programs & Events: The temple offers meditation classes, youth programs, cultural festivals, and community service projects! 🌸✨

_____________________________________

Please also check out Hsi Lai Temple's original kids' podcast, BODHI LIGHTS!!

https://bodhilightfgs.blogspot.com/

_____________________________________

Website: HTTP://culturekidsproductions.org

Support: Grants@culturekidsmedia.com

Birthday shoutouts and more: Please submit a 5 star rating on Apple!

Comments, questions: hello@culturekidsmedia.com

Instagram: @culturekidsproductions

🎉 A Cheesy Time-Traveling Adventure! 🧀✨

Grab your imaginary passports, Culture Kids! Today, we’re diving fork-first into the creamy, dreamy world of cheesecake! 🏛️🍰 We’re taking a delicious time-traveling journey, from Ancient Greece’s first cheesy honey cakes to the bustling streets of 1800s New York, where cream cheese changed everything! 🚀⏳

Along the way, we’ll discover how cultures around the world shaped this famous dessert, from the rich and dense New York-style cheesecake to the fluffy and jiggly Japanese cheesecake!

What’s your favorite dessert? Join us as we explore history, culture, and the sweet stories behind every bite! And remember—you and your family are always valued, welcomed, and celebrated at Culture Kids! ❤️

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! More pastry adventures (and some very special guests!) coming soon. 🍪🥐🎂

YOU'RE INVITED!

Hurry and grab your imaginary bags because we're going to China to wrap up the Lunar New Year to watch Mr Justin perform the lion dance!!!

Join us, Kristen and Asher, as we embark on a vibrant journey to China, exploring the exhilarating tradition of the Lion Dance—a cornerstone of Lunar New Year celebrations. We're joined by special guest Mr. Justin from the San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association (SGVCCA), who shares his expertise and personal experiences, bringing this dynamic art form to life.

Episode Highlights:

• 🐉 Lion vs. Dragon Dance: Mr. Justin clarifies the distinctions between these two captivating performances, highlighting differences in the number of performers, structural designs, and cultural symbolism.

• 🎶 Anatomy of a Performance: Gain insight into the physical demands and coordination required in lion dancing, especially during pole-jumping sequences. Learn about the integral role of live music—drums, cymbals, and gongs—in synchronizing movements and enhancing the performance's energy.

• 🍊🥬 Symbolism in Props: Explore the meanings behind the use of props like oranges and lettuce in performances, believed to bestow luck and wealth upon the audience.

• 🌏 Global Variations: Our discussion extends to how lion dance traditions have been adapted in various cultures, including Vietnam and Korea, each infusing their unique styles and interpretations.

Fun Activity:

🎨🧵 We encourage listeners to engage in a creative project by crafting their own lion dance masks or costumes using materials readily available at home. This hands-on activity fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form and its cultural significance.

San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association: To learn more about their events and programs, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram @sgvcca.

Love Our Work? Please support our nonprofit organization:

HTTP://culturekidsproductions.org

Follow us on IG for fun BTS:

@culturekidsproductions

For birthday shoutouts, comments and requests:

hello@culturekidsmedia.com

Please leave us a 5 star rating on Apple or Spotify to be featured on the show!!

Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey into the heart of African American culinary traditions with our guest Mr. Adrian Miller, known as the Soul Food Scholar. Mr. Adrian, an award-winning author and culinary historian, shares his knowledge on the origins, significance, and cultural impact of soul food in America.

🥘 Episode Highlights: 🍴

• Introduction to Soul Food: Mr. Adrian defines soul food as a rich blend of culinary practices from West Africa, Western Europe, and the Americas, converging in the Southern United States. He describes a typical soul food meal featuring dishes like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and desserts such as sweet potato pie and peach cobbler.

• Historical Context: We learn about the origins of soul food, tracing back to the resourcefulness and creativity of enslaved Africans who, despite oppressive conditions, crafted flavorful and nourishing meals from limited ingredients.

• Fried Chicken's Evolution: Mr. Adrian explores the history of fried chicken, highlighting its journey from early recipes in Europe and China to its deep-rooted significance in African American culture. He also touches upon the global influence of fried chicken, including its adaptation into Korean cuisine with unique flavors and accompaniments!

• Cultural Significance: The conversation emphasizes how soul food embodies love, community, and resilience within African American communities. Sharing meals becomes a conduit for connection, tradition, and cultural expression.

📚 Additional Resources:

• Mr. Adrian's Work: To dig deeper into the history and cultural significance of soul food, explore Mr. Adrian's award-winning book, Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.

• https://adrianemiller.com/

🙏 Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us reach more families and share diverse cultural stories.

🔔 Stay Connected:

For updates on upcoming episodes and more cultural explorations, subscribe to the Culture Kids Podcast newsletter and follow us on social media!

Join us next time as we continue to journey around the world, one story at a time.

🌏 Hello, Culture Kids!

Grab your imaginary passports because today, we’re hopping on the Culture Train to China! 🚂🇨🇳 We’re learning all about the origins of Lion Dance and why it’s such a special part of Lunar New Year celebrations. 🎆🐲

🎙️ Special Guest: Mr. Justin from the San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association joins us to share the history, traditions, and meanings behind Lion Dance! 🦁🥁

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How Lunar New Year started over 3,000 years ago! ⏳🏮

✅ Why people wear red and make loud noises to chase away bad luck! 🔴🥁

✅ The legend behind the Lion Dance & its connection to the Nian Monster! 👹💨

✅ What the colors, mirrors, and beards on a lion mean! 🦁✨

✅ Why Lion Dance isn’t just for Lunar New Year—it brings good luck to all kinds of celebrations! 🎊🎂🎉

👀 Fun Activity! Want to make your own lion at home? We’ve added a special DIY craft link in our show notes so you can design your own lion with colors that have meaning to YOU! 🎨✂️

🎂 Happy Birthday, Trisha & Colette! 🎈🎉 Wishing you lots of joy and good luck for the year ahead! 🍰✨

San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association

https://www.sgvcca.com/

Instagram: @sgvcca

💌 Leave us a review & share your favorite Lunar New Year tradition with us! 🎊👇

🔗 LINKS:

Cardboard Box Lion Head: Create a wearable lion head using a small cardboard box, colored paper, and other craft materials. This project encourages creativity and imaginative play.

Chinese Lion Dance Craft: Utilize paper tubes, tissue paper, and printable templates to craft a dancing lion. This activity combines fine motor skills with cultural education.

🚂🌏 Hop aboard the Culture Train—we’re off to Nepal! 🇳🇵✨

In this special episode, we travel to the Eastern Himalayas to meet Ms. Pema from the Red Panda Network, an organization dedicated to protecting red pandas and their forest homes. 🐾🌿

🌟 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Where Nepal is and what makes it such a unique and diverse country!

✅ How red pandas live in the wild and why they are so different from giant pandas! 🐼

✅ Why red pandas are important to the environment and how they help their forest stay healthy!

✅ What’s threatening red pandas and how conservation efforts like planting trees and protecting habitats are helping! 🌱🌍

✅ How YOU can help save red pandas from anywhere in the world!

✨ Fun Fact: Did you know that red pandas aren't actually related to giant pandas? They have their own animal family and are more like raccoons and weasels!

🎉 Plus, don’t miss Asher’s funny red panda jokes at the end of the episode! 🐾

🎧 Tune in now to discover the magic of Nepal, the adorable red panda, and how people like Ms. Pema are making a difference!

📢 Want to help red pandas? Visit Red Panda Network to learn more, support their conservation efforts, or even join a Red Panda Marathon!

💛 A Special Thanks to Our Listeners:

This episode is dedicated to Vera (4) and Teo (6)—thank you for your awesome episode suggestion! And shoutout to Lydia for your 5-star review! 🌟

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to Culture Kids Adventures and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help more families around the world explore and embrace different cultures!

See you on the next adventure! 🚂🌍

In this episode of Culture Kids, we hop on the Culture Train to Vietnam to explore the vibrant traditions of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, with special guest Ms. Sophie, host of the popular YouTube channel Mommy & Me Vietnamese!

(Please note this episode is curated from last year's release on Tet)

🌏 What You’ll Learn:

• Fun facts about Vietnam’s geography, language, and culture.
• How Tet is celebrated, including unique customs like house cleaning before the new year, zodiac signs influencing luck, and the story of the spirit broom.
• The meaning behind red envelopes, lucky money, and the tradition of giving New Year’s greetings.

🍴 Food Spotlight:

Discover the traditional Vietnamese rice cakes, bánh chưng and bánh tét, made from glutinous rice, fatty pork, and banana leaves. Asher gets his first taste—yum!

✨ Question for Culture Kids:

What’s your zodiac sign? Who will be the lucky person to step into your house first this Lunar New Year?

📩 Stay Connected:

Email us at hello@culturekidsmedia.com or leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We’d love to hear from you!

Mommy and Me Vietnamese:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoHbvkNnMdOHgHmLCvtxKKyTFHIKD5Nyq

Instagram: @mommyandmevietnamese

Join us for a journey filled with cultural stories, tasty traditions, and family fun. 🌸