Welcome back to another episode of Gaining Mom-entum! Meghan & Abi catch up on what they’re watching, playing, and listening to with their families these days. (Hint: They do talk about Bruno.)

This week’s topic - educational entertainment - finds Abi & Meghan having two conversations with two talented, engaging creators of children’s content. Up first, they speak to Michael Moore, the creator, animator, and narrator of the popular children’s video series, Brain Candy TV. He shares how he got started creating Brain Candy TV, the skillset he needed to acquire to make Brain Candy TV happen, and helping children become ready for the things they’ll learn in school through his videos. Meghan & Abi share how their children incorporate what they’ve learned into their pretend play. Michael lets them in on what he likes most about making Brain Candy TV, the seriousness with which he takes the responsibility of the impact his videos have on kids, as well as the challenges. He also discusses his plans to expand the STEM video offerings that are part of the Brain Candy TV archives and reflects on some of his favourite feedback, complete with a little cameo from Abi’s child.

The second half of the episode features Meghan & Abi’s conversation with children’s book author, Monique Perreira. Monique shares her process for how she came to write and publish the bilingual children’s book, Mirai Montre et Raconte Show and Tell, as well as giving many well-deserved shout outs to her illustrator, Chantal Piché. She discusses the decision-making that went into making Mirai a bilingual book, how her love of children’s books began as a young adult and the great inspiration that is Robert Munsch. Monique shares her challenges, joys, and the feedback she’s received as well as the children’s health series that she’s working on next.

As always, thanks for listening! Share Gaining Mom-entum and follow/comment/review wherever you get your pods.

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Email: gainingmom.entumpod@gmail.com

Music: Evan Dysart (Spotify and Bandcamp; Extended Cut of Podcast Theme for Gaining Mom-entum)

Artwork: Catherine Cachia (IG: @catherinecachia, catherinecachia.com)

Resources:

Brain Candy TV website

Brain Candy TV YouTube

Mirai Montre et Raconte Show and Tell

Monique’s Instagram (@monique.m.pereira)

Chantal Piché, Illustrator