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Good Stuff Kids

As a parent, are you always on the lookout for new — and good — things for your kids? Host Mike Mason is an educator, musician, and parent of three. Each week he introduces new music for kids, interviews a special guest about their "good stuff" for kids, and invites you to join in the fun (and griping) of parenthood. It is a podcast the whole family can listen to together.

May 26 2021 | 00:48:43

Pierce Freelon is an inspiration.  He's a musician, politician, and educator.  He has a brand new record called 'Black to the Future' which just came out a couple of weeks ago.  I really enjoyed learning from him and hearing all about his inspiration(s) for making music.  Make sure to listen all the way to the end to hear the song 'Braid My Hair'.  


Continue reading Episode #279 – Pierce Freelon on the site.

May 18 2021 | 00:34:46

I had so much fun talking to Michael Hearst about his 47 (!!!) song new record Unconventional Vehicles.  It was great to get to know Michael and learn all about his musical projects from unconventional vehicles to extraordinary people and unusual creatures.  This talk is a blast.  Get to know Michael and stay tuned all the way to the end of the show to hear his songs 'Graf Zeppelin Airship' and 'Winston Wong Ice Vehicle'.  


Continue reading Episode #278 – Michael Hearst on the site.

May 04 2021 | 00:28:31

Hello my friends!  It was great to welcome my new best friend Erica Rabner to the Good Stuff Kids Podcast.  We talked a lot about her background as well as her brand new record 'We Got This' and the importance of Real Talk!  Stay tuned all the way to the end of the show to hear her brand new song 'Slack'.  Be sure to check out the video for her song 'You're Not Alone' here as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHIkIFLBjAQ


Continue reading Episode #277 – Erica Rabner on the site.

Apr 19 2021 | 00:40:04

It's Aaron Nigel Smith!  We had a great conversation talking about Reggae, his music and so much in between!  "Aaron Nigel Smith & The One World Chorus -- Live in LA was released on August 15th, distributed by Bob Marley's Tuff Gong International. This is an uplifting collection of reggae songs, some Aaron Nigel Smith originals (like "One") and some traditional and cover songs ("Fanga Alafia," "Simon Says," "One Love," "If I Had a Hammer").


Listen to his song 'One' at the end of our interview.


Continue reading Episode #276 – Aaron Nigel Smith on the site.

Apr 05 2021 | 00:31:48

Tracy Bonham & Melodeon Music House is set to release a record for families called 'Young Maestro's Vol. 1'.  "The album, set to be released April 16, 2021 on Bonham’s Melodeon Music House label, is a celebration of music and movement that includes 11 songs that aren’t only fun to dance and sing along to but also teach musical concepts in an entertaining and light-hearted way."  Stick around until the end of the show to hear her brand new song 'Me Symphony'.


Side Note:  I've been listening to Tracy's music for years.  I was starstruck.  She's awesome!


Continue reading Episode #275 – Tracy Bonham on the site.

Mar 24 2021 | 00:36:48

It was an honor to welcome Sara Watkins to the Good Stuff Kids Podcast to talk about her new kids and family record 'Under the Pepper Tree'. You may know Sara from lot's of the projects that she is involved with (Nickel Creek, I'm With Her, Watkins Family Hour), and it was really fun to hear her describe this new record as well as hearing about how she started playing music. Be sure to listen all the way to the end to hear the brand new songs 'Night Singing'.


Continue reading Episode #274 – Sara Watkins on the site.

Dec 16 2020 | 00:33:51

Oh yeah!  Check out Roger Day and his song 'Solve the Problem, Save the Day' (which you can hear at the end of the episode!).  This is a great chat.  Roger is awesome.  "Award-winning children's musician Roger Day has devoted his life to making sure that future generations sing loud, jump high, and--most importantly--dream big. His signature wit, whimsy, and wordplay have helped put smiles on the faces of kids from one to ninety-two. Roger believes that though "Life is full of problems. It's full of answers too!"


Continue reading Episode #272 – Roger Day on the site.

Nov 18 2020 | 00:23:02

It was a pleasure to welcome back Ruth and Emilia!  They have a brand new album 'Kokowanda Bay'!.  "In their latest album, planet Goopda sends URR back to help Emilia and her friends save beautiful Kokowanda Bay. Soon the two are rocking their way through the three Rs (recycling, reducing and reusing). Sing and dance along as the duo learns how they can heal the world by working together."  Check out their song 'Get On Up' at the end of the episode.


Continue reading Episode #271 – Ruth and Emilia Return on the site.

Oct 21 2020 | 00:29:57

It was so great to talk to Claudia Gunn about her brand new record 'Little Wild Universe'.  "Little Wild Universe is a sparkling and expansive album of family music for beautiful minds by Claudia Robin Gunn."  Stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode to hear the song 'Rocketride (Kiwi Kids in Space)'.  And check the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w28WBsJWjyE


Continue reading Episode #270 – Claudia Gunn Returns on the site.

Oct 06 2020 | 00:46:35

It's Emma Wiggle from The Wiggles!  This conversation was a blast.  We talked about what it's like to be a Wiggle, and how the Wiggles have managed the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Emma is the coolest!  Stay tuned all the way until the end of the show to hear the song 'Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car' from the brand new record 'Choo Choo Trains, Propeller Planes, & Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car.


Continue reading Episode #269 – Emma Wiggle on the site.

Sep 25 2020 | 00:32:55

Turns out that Will Parker and I were literally about a 10 minute drive from each other when this interview happened.  So bummed!  If it weren't for Covid-19 we could have chatted in person rather than over the phone.  "Will Parker is a children's songwriter and teaching artist who writes and performs music for "kids ages 1-100." During Will's whimsical and interactive shows, he plays guitar and harmonica and sings original songs that engage the audience in singing-along, dancing, high-fiving, and imaginative play."  Stay tuned all the way until the end of the show to hear his song 'Bilgus the Swamp Dwarf'.  Will is all about imagination and you'll love his music!


Continue reading Episode #268 – Will Parker on the site.

Sep 08 2020 | 00:26:27

Here's a great conversation with Greg Lato!  He's just released his new record 'Create My Own World'.  Stay tuned for his brand new (and awesome) song 'Try'.  "Award-winning pop musician and songwriter Greg Lato adds to his impressive body of work with the July 24 release of his first children’s album, Create My Own World, featuring two-time Grammy winning children’s entertainer Bill Harley as special guest.  Create My Own World presents a fun and inspiring soundscape in these challenging times through music as relatable to kids as it is nostalgic to parents. The album is influenced by ‘70s and ‘80s pop artists like Hall & Oates, Phil Collins, Todd Rundgren, and The Cars, with a taste of Lenny Kravitz and the Rolling Stones thrown in for good measure."


Continue reading Episode #267 – Greg Lato on the site.

Sep 02 2020 | 00:44:22

It's Bash The Trash!  What an awesome time talking to John and Carina from Bash The Trash.  They make instruments from items that they find.  So cool!  In their words: "We build, perform and educate with musical instruments made from reused and repurposed materials. We combine science, music and environmental awareness through our performances, programs and social initiatives, always focusing on how art and science work together."  Make sure to check out their song 'Rubbish Rhythm' at the end of the show!


Continue reading Episode #266 – Bash The Trash on the site.

Jul 29 2020 | 00:39:24

There's a lot more to this record than meets the eye and ear!  "Elena Moon Park illustrates what a free spirited world sounds like on her first self released family album Unhurried Journey. The 16 song collection encourages listeners of all-ages to slow down and appreciate each moment, finding the joy in the journey. 


Park has spent the last 8 years traveling and playing music with artists all across the globe. In that time she met and collaborated with some amazing talents and found inspiration in everything she encountered. She brings all of this to Unhurried Journey, a stunningly unique vision from an artist who is wide open to soaking in everything life has to offer. She revels in her blended world, delivering a fresh and dynamic collection of reimagined east and southeast asian music and original, western-style songs."

Listen to Elena's song 'Flower Dance' at the end of the episode


Continue reading Episode #264 – Elena Moon Park on the site.

Jul 22 2020 | 00:37:24

Daniel Tashian is a GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Award-winning musician renowned for his work on Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Golden Hour,’ wrote and recorded 8 original songs with his daughters Tigerlily, Tinkerbell and Matilda. Drawing inspiration from his own childhood with Sesame Street and Pink Panther, Tashian created the Mr. Moonlight character to help with his daughters’ bedtime anxiety. Mr. Moonlight “watches over” them as they fall asleep.


Before the Stay-At-Home order, Tashian was spending a lot of time away from home. Quarantine gave the Tashian's family a chance to bond, so instead of diving into a new musical project of his own, he wanted to give the kids a chance to share their imagination.  Check out his full song 'How Old Should I Be' at the end of the episode!


Continue reading Episode #263 – Daniel Tashian on the site.

Jul 17 2020 | 00:23:40

"Simon Stanley pens tales both candid and tall. Known for his vivid imagery and fluid storylines, his writing has shifted and adapted to the varying phases of his life, including a recent relocation from his New Zealand homeland to Nashville, TN.


The recently released single, “Marley Sitting on a Pumpkin Seed,” on which Cy performs as Simon Stanley, is his first foray into family music and the winner of the 2019 New Zealand Music Award for Best Children's Song."  Check out 'Marley Sitting on a Pumpkin Seed' at the end of the episode.


Continue reading Episode #262 – Simon Stanley on the site.

Jul 14 2020 | 00:29:58

Hi-Ya!  Go Banana Go are here to bring us a good time and keep us laughing.  "Go Banana Go!, is a collaboration from leading players in the comedy music world, LA based music producer and songwriter Jim Roach and Brian Wecht, better known as “Ninja Brian” who is also a retired theoretical physicist. On their first album for kids and families, the energetic and eccentric duo set out to make a record as smart and funny at the adult level as it is for kids."  Make sure to check out their full song 'Pizza Feet' at the end of the episode.


Continue reading Episode #261 – Go Banana Go on the site.

Jul 09 2020 | 00:19:34

Here’s a great one with Lindsay Munroe! We talked about her new record ‘I Am Kind’ and what it’s like to work with Raffi. “Her songs reflect the Child Honouring principles of Respectful Love, Diversity, Caring Community, Emotional Intelligence, and Nonviolence. Indeed, positivity and hope exude the title track “I Am Kind” and “Every One of Us Belongs.” With her golden voice and singalong melodies, Munroe offers both inspiration and practical tools for all children, including those who are neurodiverse.” Stay tuned all the way to the end of the show to hear her song ‘I Can Try New Things’.


Continue reading Episode #260 – Lindsay Munroe on the site.

Jul 01 2020 | 00:30:04

"José-Luis Orozco, the GRAMMY-nominated bilingual musician and children's' educator, celebrates 50 years of making Spanish and English kid's music this spring with ¡Muévete! Songs for a Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body  (out 4/17 on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings), all about the importance of exercise and movement."  Stay tuned all the way until the end of the show to hear Jose-Luis' song 'Monica' played live!


Continue reading Episode #259 – Jose-Luis Orozco on the site.

Jun 24 2020 | 00:45:43

It's The BeatBuds!  True friends for life who make awesome music together.  Check out their song 'The Dino Dance' at the end of the episode.

"Kids around the world can join the fun right now to chase the pandemic blues away, as The BeatBuds help them find a routine, get up and move, and learn and play together in their hour-long “The BeatBuds Live” shows, streamed on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. PT on The BeatBuds‘ YouTube channel: HERE “


Also, there will be a special “BeatBash” show at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, July 12.  Might it be possible to add something about that?  Here is the basic information:


Kids and families can also enjoy a live BeatBuds performance as a first-of-its-kind, interactive, virtual concert experience in the comfort of their own homes with the first-ever virtual BeatBASH on Sunday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will be donated to Rock The Vote.


Together, The BeatBuds and their audience will explore a 360° immersive and interactive tropical island featuring an abundance of digital touchpoints, virtual instruments for kids to play, trivia games, and, of course, plenty of rockin' BeatBuds songs and sing-along action. Families and friends will even be able to see each other singing, dancing, and interacting!  A highlight of this special show will be the world premiere of a new BeatBuds single, "I Have a Voice.”


Continue reading Episode #258 – The BeatBuds on the site.

Jun 15 2020 | 00:29:41

Jeremy Bhandari wrote a tremendous book for young atheletes called 'Trust the Grind'.  I talked to Jeremy about some of the lessons that can be found in the book, and we barely scratched the surface.  There is so much knowledge and insight from championship caliber athletes from a variety of different sports from MMA to the NFL that any young athlete will gain something to enhance their mental and physical performance.   


Continue reading Good Stuff Sports #26 – Jeremy Bhandari on the site.

Jun 10 2020 | 00:32:01

Pinna is "the only screen-free, ad-free audio streaming service custom-made for kids ages 3-12".  It's got all the good stuff you need to get your kids off screens.  "Pinna is an on-demand audio streaming service that reimagines kids’ entertainment. Each podcast, audiobook and music compilation on Pinna is expertly developed and carefully curated for kids 3-12. From science and fantasy to interactive game shows and mysteries, Pinna has hundreds of hours of programming to pique the interest of every kid."  I really enjoyed talking with Maggie McGuire, CEO of Pinna who highlights the amazing, high quality, podcasts audiobooks and music for kids that can be found on the app.  You can hear the brand new song Pinna produced song 'Real Me' at the end of the epidode.


Continue reading Episode #257 – Maggie McGuire – CEO Pinna.fm on the site.

Jun 08 2020 | 00:42:31

Alastair Moock's latest album is called 'Be A Pain', and the title track (which you can hear at the end of this episode) is timely, pertinent, and a guide post to how we can talk with our kids about the events and protests happening all around us.  Alastair is thoughtful and writes songs that come from all dimensions of the heart and soul.  You'll enjoy getting to know him and hearing his story!  


Continue reading Episode #256 – Alastair Moock on the site.

May 28 2020 | 00:28:44

I don't know about you, but ever since quarantine started we have been baking.  Mostly cookies.  Not anything like the incredible creations that Melissa and Cindy from Not Your Everyday Cake make.  They make cakes that are on the greatest most customized scale!  In their words: "We are a mother/daughter team in Houston, TX who love working together to make beautiful creations for special occasions.  We have been making cakes together since 2009, however, Cindy started creating cakes for friends and family 30 years ago.  Our knowledge of cake design has been enhanced through multiple classes that we have taken. We don’t make your simple, everyday cakes. We bring your imagination to life to help make your special occasion perfect."


Continue reading Episode #255 – Not Your Everyday Cake on the site.

May 13 2020 | 00:33:55

I didn't even realize how badly I needed to hear Diana Panton's 'A Cheerful Little Earful' album.  I'll say that it soothed me and my family when we needed it badly.  Some calm and beautifully played music during this stressful and unpredictable time?  Yep.  1000% yep.  "One of the brightest jewels in the crown of Canada’s contribution to vocal jazz, two-time JUNO Award winner Diana Panton again brings her distinctive brand of sweet, sincere, swinging elegance straight to the hearts of young and old alike with her second album for children and families, A Cheerful Little Earful".  Stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode to hear 'A Cheerful Little Earful'.


Continue reading Episode #253 – Diana Panton on the site.

Apr 27 2020 | 00:32:48

Here's a really fun conversation with the great Duke Otherwise!  "From Wisconsin’s Duke Otherwise comes Kith & Kin, an eclectic album of music meant to bring joy, silliness and sweetness to all. Kith & Kin features a unique blend of stellar musicianship, memorable characters, whimsical topics, and a vast array of instruments and musical styles resulting in outrageous fun. 

Duke Otherwise looks at the world with a skewed eye and blends his quirky observations with his elaborate imagination resulting in a combination that seems to perfectly tap into a child’s mindset. On Kith & Kin, with his distinct baritone voice, he leads as a playful wordsmith, delivering hilarious and imaginative songs and stories taken from real events and conversations with his own family and friends." 


Stay tuned all the way to the end of the show to hear the song 'Joy's a Grump'


Continue reading Episode #252 – Duke Otherwise on the site.

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