The Fina Mendoza Mysteries
It's "The West Wing" meets "Nancy Drew" - a podcast for little girls and political junkies. Legend says whoever sees the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill is cursed. Fina Mendoza, the 10-year old daughter of a congressman, just saw it. Can she save her family from “cat”astrophe? These are the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. www.finamendozamysteries.com
Losing is Democratic 2025 Part Two
It's the fourth anniversary of an attack on the US Capitol by angry voters. Some are trying to downplay the event. This is a story told from the point of view of the 10-year-old daughter of a member of Congress who was on the House Floor that day. It's designed to help adults talk to children about January 6th.
It's based on the Fina Mendoza Mysteries novella "Losing is Democratic" by Kitty Felde, available as an ebook or paperback. You can purchase an autographed copy here.
Losing is Democratic 2025: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th Part One
It's the fourth anniversary of an attack on the US Capitol by angry voters. Some are trying to downplay the event. This is a story told from the point of view of the 10-year-old daughter of a member of Congress who was on the House Floor that day. It's designed to help adults talk to children about January 6th.
It's based on the Fina Mendoza Mysteries novella "Losing is Democratic" by Kitty Felde, available as an ebook or paperback. You can purchase an autographed copy here.
A Fina Mendoza Mysteries Christmas 2023
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.
It's Christmas in Washington, a time to remember family traditions and Capitol Hill traditions. Fina and her sister get a very special opportunity to light the Capitol Christmas Tree. Find out more about the cast at the website.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the books Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza and State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeakepress.org.
Want the Facts Behind the Fiction in Th...
Thanksgiving 2024
We celebrate Thanksgiving with Fina and the Mendoza family as they leave Washington to visit relatives in Los Angeles. Fina worries that the curse of the Demon Cat will follow them to California.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.
Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gabby
Raul Garza - Papa
Christine Avila - Abuelita
Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Cat...
Celebrating Dia de los Muertos
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol...and teaching civics along the way.
Join the Mendoza family as they celebrate not only Halloween, but also Dia de los Muertos.
Here's a link to the FREE curriculum for this episode.
You'll find more eductional materials on our Facts Behind the Fiction blog at the website.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are based on the novels WELCOME TO WASHINGTON FINA MENDOZA and STATE OF THE UNION, written by Kitty Felde.
S2; EPISODE 18 - SEASON FINALE - The Message from Chickcharney
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.
In Episode 18, all of Washington is talking about the capture of the Burrowing Owl that pooped on the president during the State of the Union address. But not about Fina. Papa's political fundraiser with LA food trucks seems to be a huge success. And Fina gets a very special letter.
Want to know the Facts Behind the Fiction in this episode? This week, we highlight some of the more creative political fundraising events...
Tracking the Bird that Pooped on the President
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.
In Episode 17, Fina and her loyal canine companion Senator Something track down Chickcharney in one of the U.S. Capitol's parking garages. But will Fina learn the bird's secret message?
Want to know the Facts Behind the Fiction in this episode? This week, we explain what's up with the construction in the Rayburn Garage.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde.
Our cast includes:
It's All Happening at the Zoo
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.
In Episode 16, Fina's investigation takes her to the National Zoo where she finds out more about the Burrowing Owls. But Fina's client Monica suffers a major setback.
Want to know the Facts Behind the Fiction in this episode? This week, we explain Congressional Subpeonas.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde.
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Steven Cuevas...
Abuelita Come Home!
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina uses her detecting skills to help her father find her grandmother who has run away from home. Their search takes them to a church basement kitchen.
Want to know more about the Facts Behind the Fiction? This week, our blog takes a look at a Congressional Work Week. How much does Congress really work?
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Steven Cuevas - Papa
Solving the Mysteries of Fractions and Chickcharney
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina discovers some important clues about the mysterious bird that pooped on the president. Her teacher helps her solve some difficult math problems. And Fina tries to solve the mysteries of dogs.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde.
In Episode 14, Congressman Arturo Mendoza scolds his mother for participating in an immigration protest at the U.S. Capitol - and then going on TV to talk about it...
Family Feud
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina's father and grandmother have an enormous fight with serious consequences. And there's nothing Fina can do about it.
In Episode 13, Congressman Arturo Mendoza scolds his mother for participating in an immigration protest at the U.S. Capitol - and then going on TV to talk about it.
Is it illegal for the relative of a member of Congress to protest in front of the U.S. Capitol?
Click HERE...
Season 2 Episode 12 - Protesting 101
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina's grandmother takes her to a meeting where an immigration reform protest is being organized. Abuelita's activism results in a major dispute with her son, Congressman Arturo Mendoza after she's nearly arrested outside the U.S. Capitol.
Protests outside the U.S. Capitol are nothing new.
Click HERE to read about the history of protests outside the U.S. Capitol in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.
Cast:
Am...
Season 2 Episode 11 - Congressional Art Competition and the hunt for Chickcharney
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina is on the hunt for Chickcharney in the basement of the U.S. Capitol, but the hunt leads to some serious consequences.
In Episode 11 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, Fina is wandering around the tunnel that connects the U.S. Capitol with the House office buildings and says:
“That’s funny. I never noticed that before. One side of the Cannon tunnel has all that high school art. They’re not ver...
No More Church Shopping
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
The Mendoza family finally find a church that feels like home. And Abuelita finds a new community of activists. And Gabby gets her phone back.
Meanwhile, Fina is not happy with her new detecting partner St. Sebastian. He's a bird dog and easily distracted. But Fina has a breakthrough in her investigation of the bird that pooped on the head of the President.
In Episode 10 of Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries...
Bird Dogs and Instagram
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina enlists the help of an expert as she continues the search for the bird that pooped on the President: a bird dog. Meanwhile, Gabby's in the doghouse for posting selfies on Instagram.
In episode 9 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina and her family spot a familiar face at Sunday mass: the House Chaplain.
Who's the House Chaplain? How Long have we had one?
Click HERE to read more about...
Snowmozilla!
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
All of Washington is shut down for the storm of the century. Meanwhile, Californians Fina and her sister Gabby learn the joys...and the downsides of snow.
In Episode 8 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina asks:
Is there anything in the paper about the bird that pooped on the president, Papa?
PAPA: Not a word. The news cycle has moved on.
What's a news cycle?
Click...
Bird Myths
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina continues her investigation into finding the bird that pooped on the President. And she gets a new client: the dog that belongs to the House Chaplain. Meanwhile, Washington DC and the Mendoza family prepare for a blizzard.
In Episode 7, Fina’s sister Gabby suggests that she do some bird research at the website of the Audubon Society. Fina stumbles upon an article that says if a bird poops on your head, it's supposed to...
Gang of Eight
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina is still on the hunt for the bird that pooped on the President.
Fina's father was just named to a bipartisan group of lawmakers to come up with an immigration bill. Unfortunately, Senator Something wasn't invited, but he manages to disrupt the press conference announcing the group. Meanwhile, Fina's older sister Gabby is fighting with their grandmother over a dance and a dress code.
What's the latest on immigration reform in...
Eagles Everywhere
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
All of Washington is on the hunt for the bird that pooped on the President - including Fina Mendoza. Social media is having a field day. There's even a hashtag: PoopOnPOTUS.
In episode 5 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, everyone assumes the bird that pooped on the President is an eagle. Fina’s 4th grade class is even assigned a homework project: find all the eagles in Washington, DC.
Where are all the...
State of the Union Speeches and other Squawking
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
A mysterious bird poops on the president's head during the State of the Union address and Fina and her grandmother are up in the House Gallery, watching when it happens. Papa gives the State of the Union rebuttal speech about immigration reform. The House Minority Leader gives a party. Kitty Felde is writer producer.
In Episode 4, after the President delivers his State of the Union speech to Congress, Papa delivers the rebuttal in Spanish.<...
Pigeon Peas and Sewing Lessons
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina decides to take the case of the mysterious Chickcharney... maybe it has a secret message for her!
In Episode 3, Papa proposes an idea for a fundraiser for his re-election campaign. “It takes a lot of money to run for Congress,” he says.
How much does it cost to run for Congress?
Click HERE to read more about the House Chaplain in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.
Seaso...
S2; EPISODE 2 - Senator Something Joins the Hunt
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina's grandmother finally arrives in Washington, but she seems more excited about seeing a statue of her hero: Ronald Reagan. Meanwhile, Fina enlists the talents of her detecting partner, a big orange dog named Senator Something.
Abuelita wants is a picture with that statue of Ronald Reagan. He was the president who signed into law IRCA, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 - the last time Congress passed major immigration reform. “It’s beca...
STATE OF THE UNION Episode 1:The Bird with the Lizard Tail
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.
Fina has a new case: find the mysterious Chickcharney, a mythical bird from the Caribbean, for her friend Monica who works in the snack bar.
Monica describes Chickcharney as a bird from the island of Andros in the Bahamas that has a "round face, a sharp beak, long legs, and a skinny, curly tail." The tail of a lizard.
Do Chickcharney's actually exist?
Click HERE to read more about Chickcharney...
Fina Mendoza Goes to the State of the Union Address
On Thursday night, March 7th, members of Congress from the House and Senate will hear a speech from President Biden about the State of the Union. Our Founding Fathers thought the annual speech to Congress was so important, they put it in the Constitution.
But what IS the State of the Union address? And what's it like to be inside the U.S. Capitol, sitting in the House Gallery, above the lawmakers and Supreme Court Justices and the cabinet?
In this special bonus episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, we take you to the State of...
Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th - Part Two
January 6th is the three year anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. More than a thousand people have been arrested, trials continue around the country, and the events of that day still echo during the upcoming election season.
So how do we talk to kids about January 6th? Let Fina help.
MY NAME IS FINA MENDOZA. My Papa works in the U.S. Capitol. He’s a congressman. Me? I solve mysteries. I had a new case: trying to find out who stole the class pizza.
But everything changed on Jan...
Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th - Part One
January 6th is the three year anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. More than a thousand people have been arrested, trials continue around the country, and the events of that day still echo during the upcoming election season.
So how do we talk to kids about January 6th? Let Fina help.
MY NAME IS FINA MENDOZA. My Papa works in the U.S. Capitol. He’s a congressman. Me? I solve mysteries. I had a new case: trying to find out who stole the class pizza.
But everything changed on Jan...
A Conversation with Claribel Ortega
Are you a fantasy lover? Writer Claribel Ortega talks about why she loves to write fantasy - especially witches. Kitty Felde is host.
And give a listen to our Dia de los Muertos episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast. Here's a link to the free curriculum guide.
Witchlings by Claribel Ortega
Do witches have cliques? What happens when you're an outcast? Would you be brave enough to hunt down monsters? Students at Brookland Middle School in Washington, DC discuss Claribel Ortega's novel Witchlings. Veteran journalist Stephanie Roberts is our celebrity reader. Kitty Felde his host.
Want to learn more about Dia de los Muertos? Listen to this special episode from our sister podcast THE FINA MENDOZA MYSTERIES. There is free curriculum for this episode.
Favorite Books from Brookland Middle School:
Judy B Jones series - Barbara Park
Best Babysitters Ever - Caroline C...
Case Closed!
Fina ties up loose ends in the case of the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill and experiences her first Christmas in Washington, DC.
Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gabby
Raul Garza - Papa
Laura Stegman - Congresswoman Mitchell
Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina
Steve Gamber - John the Staffer
Linda Graves - Claudia
Paul Cummings - Carl Jefferson
Wenzel Jones - Statue of Caesa...
Thanksgiving in California
The Mendoza family heads to Los Angeles to celebrate Thanksgiving. Fina worries that the curse of the Demon Cat will follow them to California.
Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gabby
Raul Garza - Papa
Christine Avila - Abuelita
Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Catalina
Rachel Desztich - Tia Margarita
Brian Bland - Veteran
Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something
Associate Producer - Hannah Matzecki
Associate S...
"Cat"astrophe!
Fina continues to investigate the history of cats in the U.S. Capitol. Papa returns to Washington for a family meal. But then catastrophe strikes. Can the Demon Cat be to blame?
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gabby
Raul Garza - Papa
Mat Kaplan - House Historian
Steve Gamber - John the Staffer
Brian Bland - Capitol Tour Guide
Rosalie Fox - Veterinarian<...
You Guys Need to Get Out of the House
Fina and Gabby join Claudia at the National Zoo where Fina gathers clues. The Mendoza sisters also celebrate Dia de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead. And Fina comes up with a plan.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano as Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil as Gabby
Linda Graves as Claudia
Christine Avila as Abuelita
And Steve DeVorkin as Senator Something
Associate Producer - Hannah Matzecki
Associate Sound Designer - H...
We Need Brownies
It's the return of Fina Mendoza!
To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come.
Fina and Gabby get ready for Halloween without Papa and Abuelita. Fina discovers some of the backstory of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is written and produced by Kitty Felde.
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Ga...
The Curse of the Demon Cat
It's the return of Fina Mendoza!
To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come.
Bad luck seems to haunt the Mendoza family. Fina is convinced that the mythical Demon Cat of Capitol Hill is to blame. Fina starts detecting and discovers an important clue.
Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gab...
If You Want a Friend in Washington
It's the return of Fina Mendoza!
To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come.
Fina meets a new friend and gets a new job and a new identity: lady detective.
Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gabby
Raul Garza - Papa
Linda Graves - Claudia
Indi...
Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza
It's the return of Fina Mendoza!
To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come.
Meet Fina Mendoza. She spends her after school hours in the U.S. Capitol where her father is a congressman. While hunting down a lost sweatshirt in the Capitol Crypt, Fina stumbles over a mysterious creature. Is it the ghost of George Washington? Or perhaps the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill?
The F...
Trailer for Season One of Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza
It's the return of Fina Mendoza!
To celebrate the re-release of the book that inspired the podcast: Welcome to Washington Fina Mendoza (Chesapeake Press) in English AND Spanish, listen to how it all began. Here's a hint of what's to come.
The State of the Union Address 2023
On Tuesday night, February 7th, members of Congress from the House and Senate will hear a speech from President Biden about the State of the Union. Our Founding Fathers thought the annual speech to Congress was so important, they put it in the Constitution.
But what IS the State of the Union address? And what's it like to be inside the U.S. Capitol, sitting in the House Gallery, above the lawmakers and Supreme Court Justices and the cabinet?
In this special bonus episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, we take you to the State o...
Losing is Democratic: Explaining January 6th to Kids
How do you explain the events of January 6th to children?
This special Fina Mendoza Mysteries episode is designed to help parents and teachers talk to young people about the attack on the U.S. Capitol two years ago and what larger lessons can be learned.
FREE curriculum for this episode can be downloaded here.
There is a NEW e-book version of Losing is Democratic available for 99 cents on Amazon.
The episode takes place on January 6th, 2021, in a zoom classroom, meeting remotely because of the pandemic. Our 10-year-old detective Fina...
Thanksgiving 2022
We celebrate Thanksgiving with Fina and the Mendoza family as they leave Washington to visit relatives in Los Angeles. Fina worries that the curse of the Demon Cat will follow them to California.
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysterious animals in the U.S. Capitol.
Writer/Producer - Kitty Felde
Our cast includes:
Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza
Monica Vigil - Gabby
Raul Garza - Papa
Christine Avila - Abuelita
Imelda Hinojosa - Tia Cat...
