Wild and Kind Kids Podcast

What if your greatest superpower was... staying nearly still? Meet the yellow trumpetfish, a long, skinny reef fish with a trumpet-shaped mouth and a rather unusual talent for hiding in plain sight!

This week, we're heading beneath the sparkling waters of Bermuda, where a yellow trumpetfish named Clyde is preparing for the biggest event of the year: The Reef's Got Talent! His friend Dottie the damselfish can't wait to see what he's been practicing. Will he perform spectacular underwater flips? Swim through hoops? Or show off a trick no one has ever seen before?

But...

Surprise, Wild and Kind Kids! We've got a special bonus episode for you!

This week, we're sharing an adventure from our friends at History's Kids, a podcast that brings incredible stories from history to life for curious young listeners. We love their podcast and we think you'll especially love this week's episode. 

In 1992, one class of fourth-graders started a project to make a big difference for a tiny endangered species. That project is still going today!

History's Kids is a kids history podcast that brings the past to life b...

What if one of the biggest animals on Earth could change an entire neighborhood just by taking a mud bath?

Meet the African savanna elephant, a giant mammal with enormous ears, a remarkable trunk, and a very important job in its ecosystem!

In the golden grasslands of Kenya's Tsavo National Park, a young elephant named Jambo is HOT. Luckily, his big sister Ellie knows just where to find a little relief. Together, they turn a tiny puddle into a magnificent, glorious, perfectly squishy mud hole!

There's just one problem. Other animals keep showing...

What has eight legs, giant pincers, a stinger on its tail, and GLOWS under a special kind of light? Just in time for Halloween, we're meeting one of the biggest scorpions in the world: the emperor scorpion!

Deep in the tropical rainforests of West Africa, Spencer Scorpion is getting ready to host the annual Moonshadow Monster Mash. There's just one problem. He can't find the perfect Halloween costume! But when rumors spread that a mysterious MONSTER is lurking in the forest, Spencer has a new mission: protect his friends from the terrifying creature. With giant pincers, eight...

Jaguar or leopard? These two big cats might look almost identical, but one is a powerful swimmer with jaws strong enough to bite through a turtle's shell, while the other is an expert climber that can carry its dinner high into the trees!

This week, we're having a special DOUBLE episode of Wild and Kind Kids, inspired by animal requests from our listeners. We're comparing jaguars and leopards, from their spotted coats to their powerful roars. And there's a THIRD big cat mystery waiting for us, too. What exactly is a black panther?

In our...

What kind of fish has a mouth full of sharp teeth, scales like a suit of armor, and ancestors that swam alongside the DINOSAURS? Meet the alligator gar, one of North America's largest freshwater fish!

Deep in the warm, muddy waters of Louisiana, a young alligator gar named Shimmer loves listening to Grandma Gar's stories. Grandma says their family goes back millions of years, and Shimmer is thrilled to discover just how many remarkable traits she's inherited from her ancient ancestors.

But when a school of little fish gets trapped in a shrinking backwater, Shimmer...

What if an animal could be venomous, have a powerful bite, and still want absolutely nothing to do with you?

Meet the Gila monster, a slow-moving desert lizard with bead-like scales, bright warning colors, and a reputation that might be a little scarier than the animal itself. Gila monsters are one of the world’s relatively few venomous lizards, and they spend much of their lives tucked away underground in the deserts of the American Southwest and northwestern Mexico. 

In this episode, we’ll mosey into the dusty town of Dry Gulch, where a stranger named...

What if the thing that makes you feel a little out of place is exactly what makes you good at something else?

This week, we’re heading into the Amazon rainforest to meet the green anaconda, the heaviest snake in the world. These enormous reptiles spend much of their lives in and around water, where their long, muscular bodies make them powerful swimmers. 

Then it’s time to meet Ana, a green anaconda and proud member of the Midnight Slitherers. Her friends zip between roots, climb trees, and squeeze through tiny spaces, while Ana keeps getti...

What if your brain could sleep while you were still swimming? For spinner dolphins, rest works a little differently than it does for us. And after a busy night of hunting, swimming, and spectacular spinning, they need it. Spinner dolphins can twist around up to seven times in a single leap! 

In this episode, we travel to the warm waters around Hawaii, where a young spinner dolphin named Dash has one thing on his mind: five spins. He’s come so close, and he’s sure that if he tries just one more time, he can do it. B...

What if you lived so deep in the ocean that sunlight never reached you at all? For the humpback anglerfish, the answer is simple: bring your own light.

This week, we’re heading hundreds of meters beneath the ocean’s surface to meet the humpback anglerfish, a deep-sea fish with needle-like teeth, a stretchy stomach, and a glowing lure dangling right above her mouth.

Then, meet Glimmer.

Glimmer loves playing games with her deep-sea friends, but there’s one problem. She is TERRIBLE at hide-and-seek. No matter how carefully she hides, that little glowin...

What if one of the most powerful birds in the rainforest was afraid to leave the nest?

High in the Amazon rainforest, a young harpy eagle named Tupi has enormous feet, powerful wings, and talons that look like they belong on a dinosaur. There’s just one problem. Tupi does not want to fly. When an unexpected visitor discovers her secret, Tupi begins to wonder if being brave means waiting until you’re no longer scared, or trying something new while the scared feeling is still there.

Together, we’ll explore how the harpy eagle is bui...

Why, in the world, is that Komodo dragon flicking his tongue all the time? There’s a search underway! 

On the dry, golden hills of Komodo Island, a young deer named Timber has gone missing. Everyone sets off to search, including two neighbors who would rather not work together. Coco the yellow-crested cockatoo can soar high above the trees and see for miles. Dodi the Komodo dragon has another way of finding clues, one that involves a whole lot of flick, flick, flicking his tongue. 

As the search takes them across grasslands, forests, and rocky trai...

What would you do if you heard a blood-curdling scream coming from the forest?

For Wally the wombat and Padma the pademelon, there’s only one reasonable answer: go find out what made it.

As night falls over the forests of Tasmania, the two friends hear something strange among the eucalyptus trees. First comes a scream. Then a growl. Then the unmistakable CRUNCH of something eating a bone.

Whatever is hiding behind those ferns must be enormous. Ferocious. Possibly bigger than a house.

Or … maybe Wally and Padma are getting a litt...

What if you met a potential friend ... and they couldn’t understand a word you said?

Off the coast of Vancouver Island, a young orca named Kai has never met a stranger. He’ll race a dolphin, splash a sea lion, and try to turn just about anyone into a new friend. So when another pod of orcas swims into his family’s waters, Kai can hardly contain himself.

A whole pod of new friends?

Game. On.

But when Kai races over to introduce himself, something strange happens. The other young orcas...

Have you ever wondered why one of the world's most elusive big cats is called the "ghost of the mountain?"

This week on Wild and Kind Kids, we're climbing high into the snowy peaks of Nepal to meet a remarkable animal that's built for life where few creatures can survive. But while real snow leopards are experts at staying hidden, one young snow leopard wishes everyone would notice her.

In our original story, you'll meet Nima, a playful snow leopard who dreams of becoming the hero of the mountains. She quietly helps marmots, blue sheep...

Could a tree be a whole neighborhood?

High in the Australian bush, a barking owl named Bram thinks of his old eucalyptus tree as home. But when a bright red ribbon appears around its trunk, he realizes that home may be in danger. With the help of sugar gliders, possums, rainbow lorikeets, and a few clever ideas, Bram must find a way to help the humans see that this isn't just one tree. It’s a neighborhood. 

In this episode, kids will learn: 

What if one giant splash could help an entire neighborhood?

American alligators may look fierce, but the biggest alligators often play an important role in helping other animals survive. This week, we're heading into the wetlands to discover how one muddy hole can become a lifeline.

When the water begins disappearing from Wild Marsh, the other animals can't understand why old Boone the alligator keeps digging, scraping, and making such a mess. His noisy work seems to chase everyone away. But as the marsh changes, Boone's mysterious project may be exactly what his neighbors need...

Could moving slowly make you a superhero?

In this episode of Wild and Kind Kids, we climb into the rainforests of Costa Rica to meet Benny, a gentle two-toed sloth who dreams of having adventures like her fast-moving friends. But when a tiny tree frog needs help, Benny discovers that sometimes the greatest heroes aren't the fastest ... they're the ones who slow down long enough to notice what everyone else misses.

Along the way, kids will learn amazing sloth facts, including:

Would you trade your paws for a pair of sneakers?

In this episode of Wild and Kind Kids, we journey to the deserts of North Africa to meet Tazzy, a curious fennec fox who loves collecting mysterious treasures left behind by humans. When she discovers a pair of sneakers, she's convinced she's finally found the secret to becoming faster, stronger, and more adventurous. But as Tazzy soon learns, the desert has a funny way of reminding every animal that it was designed for its own amazing home.

Along the way, kids will learn about the...

Why does a day octopus hide? And what happens when it finally decides to be seen?

In this episode of Wild and Kind Kids, we travel to the coral reefs of Hawaii to meet Ollie, a shy day octopus who is a master of camouflage. As Ollie blends into rocks, coral, and sand, he dreams of exploring a reef on the other side of a wide stretch of open ocean floor. But getting there means facing his biggest fear.

Along the way, kids will discover amazing day octopus facts, including:

Why do mimic poison frog dads carry their babies on their backs through the rainforest?

In this Father's Day special of Wild and Kind Kids, we journey to the rainforests of Peru to meet one of nature's most dedicated animal dads: the mimic poison frog. Along the way, kids will discover how these tiny rainforest frogs care for their tadpoles, why they're called "mimic" poison frogs, how toe-tapping helps them find food, and what makes their bright colors so important.

Then, join Tico the frog and his son Pip for a heartwarming original story about...

Deep in the forests of India and Southeast Asia lives one of the most famous snakes on Earth: the king cobra.

This is also the home of a very confused group of animals who are convinced that a king cobra is building something mysterious.

A throne? Perhaps.

A trap? Maybe.

A castle? Well … probably not.

When a king cobra begins carrying leaves and twigs to a clearing in the forest, a langur, an Indian giant squirrel, and a hornbill become determined to solve the mystery. But the truth turns ou...

Deep in the rivers and streams of Australia lives one of the strangest animals on Earth: the duck-billed platypus.

More specifically, this is the home of Sam, a furry creature with a duck bill, webbed feet, a beaver-like tail, and absolutely no idea what he is.

When Sam discovers a flyer for the Great Splash & Quack, he comes to a very reasonable conclusion: he must be a duck.

Determined to win the grand prize of unlimited freshwater shrimp, Sam enters the competition and quickly becomes the most confusing contestant in Splash & Quack history...

Far out in the mountains and forests of the American Southwest lives one of the rarest wolves on Earth: the Mexican wolf.

More specifically, this is the home of Luna, a young Mexican wolf who loves being part of a pack even if she secretly longs for some new blood. 

One night, Luna hears a howl echoing through a canyon and becomes convinced she’s discovered another wolf pack. But as Luna continues exploring the mysterious canyon, she discovers something surprising about echoes, loneliness, and hope.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they exp...

Deep beneath the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico lives one of the strangest (and cutest) creatures on Earth: the axolotl.

Meet Ralph, an axolotl who is VERY tired of looking like a baby.

While the other animals zoom around the canals having fun, Ralph is determined to become a serious grown-up. He grows a moss mustache. Carries an important-looking briefcase. Attends “business meetings.” And even tries disgusting grown-up food.

There’s just one problem: being a grown-up is exhausting.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive into the weird and wonder...

Far out in the shimmering ocean lives Rosa, a young shortfin mako shark from the Marvelous Makos, a family famous for one incredible thing: flying.

Not with wings, of course. With leaps.

Rosa’s family can burst from the water like silver rockets, twisting high above the waves before crashing back into the sea with giant splashes.

There’s just one problem. Rosa can’t do it.

No matter how hard she tries, she belly flops, skims the surface, or sinks back into the ocean while the other makos soar overhead. And wh...

Deep in a warm, moonlit rainforest in Africa lives Penny the pangolin, a quiet, scaly explorer with a secret she’s not so sure about.

Her tongue is … long.  Like, really long. Longer than her head. Longer than her legs. Maybe even the longest in the whole forest.

But there’s just one problem: she has no idea what it’s for.

As night falls and the forest comes alive, Penny watches other animals use their amazing abilities to swing, fly, and find food. Meanwhile, her tongue just … hangs there.

That is, until a...

In the warm, shimmering waters of Thailand swims Atlas the whale shark, a gentle giant who likes things just the way they are: quiet, calm, and solitary. 

With a body the size of a school bus, a mouth wide enough to scoop up clouds of tiny food, and a slow, steady way of moving through the sea, Atlas spends his days drifting and thinking big thoughts.

But everything changes when a tiny, cheerful hitchhiker named Renea shows up … and refuses to leave.

At first, Atlas just wants his space back. But as he tri...

On the sunlit savanna near Arusha, Tanzania, a troop of baboons is on the move … headed straight for a breakfast of juicy mangoes. But when they arrive, something is wrong. The mangoes are gone! 

All eyes turn to Bunky, the troop’s most mischievous member. But did he really take them? Or is there more to the story? With the help of an unlikely detective, Bunky sets out to clear his name and the entire troop learns an important lesson about teamwork, trust, and paying attention before jumping to conclusions.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as th...

Among the waving eelgrass and shifting waters of Elkhorn Slough in California floats one very happy sea otter named Mixy.

Mixy has the perfect collection of treasures tucked into her pocket: a just-right rock, a smiling shell, even an extra snack. But when another otter swims close and asks to borrow something, Mixy isn’t so sure. After all, it’s her perfect tool. 

Soon, she discovers that the perfect tool isn’t just for helping yourself; it might be even more powerful when it’s shared.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive...

In the icy waters of Antarctica, it’s not easy being Jeremy the leopard seal. In fact, it’s downright lonely.

With his long, sleek body, lightning-fast swimming, and a mouth full of sharp teeth, Jeremy is one of the ocean’s fiercest predators. But today, he has a special mission: to make a friend.

Unfortunately, everywhere he goes, animals scatter in fear. It seems no one can look past his teeth to see the lonely creature behind them … until one small, unexpected friend sees something different.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they exp...

Deep inside a limestone cave in Southeast Asia lives a bat so tiny it could almost sit on your fingertip.

Her name is Twinkle.

Twinkle is a bumblebee bat and tonight she’s ready for her very first big adventure outside the cave. But the night is enormous, the forest is full of strange sounds, and Twinkle soon discovers that being brave doesn’t mean you never feel scared.

As Twinkle flies through the dark, she meets glowing fireflies, a booming frog, and a silent owl … and learns that every creature has its own wa...

In the hot, dusty Sonoran Desert, a young rattlesnake named Dusty has just gotten something exciting… his very first rattle.

Dusty thinks his new rattle is amazing. So amazing, in fact, that he rattles at everything. Butterflies. Pebbles. Shadows. Even his own tail.

RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE.

But when Dusty rattles all the time, the other desert animals stop paying attention. And one day, when a real danger appears, Dusty learns something important: warnings only work when they’re used for moments that truly matter.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they expl...

Deep in the golden grasslands of Africa, a young cheetah named Zuri is trying very hard to become something she’s not. A lion. 

Her best friend Hugo the lion is strong. Really strong. He can roar, wrestle, and shove logs with his giant paws. Zuri tries everything to be strong like him … but nothing seems to work.

Until one surprising moment reveals something important: Zuri doesn’t need to be strong like a lion, because cheetahs have superpowers of their own.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the speedy, spotted, super-p...

Deep in a cool Appalachian river, two hellbender siblings named Moss and Pebble are convinced they’ve found the BEST rock in the whole river. It has everything: a mud slide, a pebble garden, and the perfect crayfish trap.

So when their parents say it’s time to move downstream, the siblings protest in every dramatic way they can. But as the water warms, the bugs disappear, and silt begins to settle, Moss and Pebble start to notice something important: sometimes animals move first because they can feel changes others can’t.

Through humor, curiosity, and a...

In a sandy, sun-baked desert in Australia, a friendly bearded dragon named Ziggy just wants to make friends. But every time he lifts his arm to say hello, the other animals scatter. Follow along as Ziggy discovers that different animals communicate in different ways and that kindness sometimes means learning someone else’s language.

In this episode, Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza explore the world of bearded dragons with fun facts and an original, kid-friendly story.  

Kids will discover:

In a warm seagrass meadow near the Philippines, a small seahorse named Mina is determined to be the fastest swimmer in the ocean. There’s just one problem … seahorses are some of the slowest swimmers around. When the water shifts and Mina must rely on her unique strengths, she discovers the power of trusting herself and learns that steady can be strong.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they drift, wiggle, and learn about seahorses in this story-driven episode grounded in real animal science and big-hearted lessons about confidence, identity, and caring for the ocean. 

Kid...