Need a Brain Hug?
Social-emotional themed podcasts for the kid in all of us.
It’s May (as you know). Which means it’s not only Mental Health Awareness month, but also that school’s winding down, parents are scrambling for summer childcare (or at least I am), and many of us are feeling more than a little stressed. Luckily, these Kids Listen member podcasts have a brain hug on standby for your kids and family, whatever your social-emotional needs may be. In desperate need of kid-friendly yoga and meditations? Have a child that could use a few daily affirmations? Or maybe just in the mood for a silly story with fun characters and a relatable moral? Then hide the Ipad (or at least turn off the screen), pour a round of lemonade, and settle in with your kids to listen, reset, and feel…good.
Story-based
Storypillar (Ages 4–7) is a podcast for kids and their grownups. Together with Sneak (enthusiastic caterpillar), Bean (introverted butterfly), and Meg (human person), we’ll tackle the sticky situations kids face as they grow and change, explore stories from all over the world, and pick up advice from our listeners along the way. If you’re interested in using your imagination, learning about new places and perspectives, having a space to process big feelings, and/or laughing and being silly…Storypillar is for you!
A great episode to start with is…Carrots, Cushions, and Farts of Shame.
Dorktales Storytime (Ages 5–10) is a podcast for kids and families featuring fairytales with social-emotional themes and important, but unfortunately overlooked historical figures. Dorktales’ creators, Jodi Murphy, Molly Murphy, and Jonathan Cormur (a mother-daughter-son team), believe social and emotional learning provides kids with a strong foundation of mental wellness — a message amplified in each delightfully engaging episode.
A great episode to start with is…Big Bad’s Big Feelings
Imagine Neighborhood (Ages 4–9) is a podcast designed to help children and grownups strengthen their social-emotional skills…together! Host Scotty Iseri and a cast of gleefully zany characters guide listeners through managing big feelings, developing self-esteem, making good decisions, and all the other social-emotional challenges kids and parents face on a daily basis.
A great episode to start with is…Work it to Win it
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga
Like You (Ages 3–10) is a mindfulness podcast for kids. Creator Noah Glenn uses breathing techniques, affirmations, music, and imagination to explore feelings, relieve anxiety, encourage self-esteem, and grow empathy. The overall goal is to provide kids with a calm, engaging listening experience where they can learn about themselves and the world around them, strengthen their mental well-being, and (of course) have fun!
A great episode to start with is…Making Mindful Lemonade
Peace Out (Ages 5–10) is a calm, friendly podcast all about mindfulness and social-emotional learning. The format is a unique blend of fun science facts and mindfulness breathing and movement exercises. Episodes hit the sweet spot between stories and straight-up meditation and definitely create a safe space for listeners and everything they may be feeling.
A great episode to start with is…Kaala & Chuff: Welcome Back!
Charm Words (Ages 5–10) is a daily affirmations podcast that aims to help children of color strengthen confidence, develop positive coping skills, and build resilience to stressful situations. If your child’s (or your) self-worth could do with a firm boost, this show is definitely worth adding to your family’s morning and pre-bedtime routine.
A great episode to start with is…all of them! Co-creator Anthony Frasier suggests starting with episode 1 and working your way through.
Best Day Yet (Ages 3–9) is a fun, engaging podcast chock full of affirmations, meditations, & mindfulness for kids. Join host Marjorie and her young sidekicks as they share tools for helping your kids (and you) feel calmer, kinder, and more confident.
A great episode to start with is…Trillions Of Cells Are Cheering You On!
Yoga Kids Adventure (Ages 2–6) is centered around mindfulness, imaginative play, and physical activity. With audio yoga adventure stories ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, it’s a way to make kids’ yoga a fun, refreshing part of your everyday routine.
A great episode to start with is…Yoga For Big Feelings: Rainbow Adventure
