Newsy Pooloozi - The News Pod for Kids

World news in this episode… Well, it’s official. The Australian government bans its teenagers from using social media – sparking relief in some, anger in others. We’ll have not one – but two – reports from teens down under. In nature news, conservationists are worried giraffes are going bye-bye – yes, we mean endangered. Hear the details in this week’s episode. Also, good news in Paris where the Notre Dame cathedral reopens five years after a major fire. In entertainment news – it’s a tidal wave of sales for Moana 2. And, finally, hamsters don’t run amok but FLY amok in a plane over Portugal. What on earth am I talking about? Well, you gotta listen to the end to find out!

This episode's world news for kids… Donald “trumped” Harris in the race for the US White House – we give you the lowdown and look forward to what the next four years might have in store for us. Elsewhere, Spain is rocked by a crazy torrent of rain that led to deadly floods – we’ll have a special report on the clean-up from Barcelona. Plus, conservationists to the rescue in New Zealand where their beloved kiwi bird is under threat. And you won’t believe what some very dumb art thieves did to four Andy Warhol paintings they stole from a gallery in the Netherlands.

Special festival episode as we look at the dark side of autumn with a dive into Halloween, the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)and the Hungry Ghost Festival which give off those skeleton and ghoul vibes… But over in India it’s a totally different story with festivals of light and hope. Which one do you prefer? Have a listen – it will help you decide. That’s not all, we also have seasonal news as crops of pumpkins and cocoa aren’t in good shape. Plus, ever heard of “ghost poop?” Apparently, it’s a thing. Tune in to find out more.

In world news for kids this episode we take a deep dive into the charged-up world of batteries, we’re talking about mammoth batteries the size of skyscrapers – or is that skyscrapers that double up as batteries – a re-look at using wood to make batteries, plus solar strips – not panels – that could charge us all up. Oh, and did we mention the “powerful” deep sea rocks and the fool’s gold that might not be so foolish but in fact pretty precious – all that and more this episode!

In kids news this week we’re talking tech and social media which are getting a ticking off – all over the world – yes, we’re talking restrictions, limitations and outright bans being placed on social media and tech. Never mind the ill effects of too much tech on your rearend… that’s right, ever heard of dead-butt-syndrome? Stay tuned and you will!

In wacky world news for kids this episode, the US election and the debate over THE debate, Paris Olympic wow continues, Harry Potter back-to-school “boo” in London and “leaf” it to the Fins to take tree-loving to new heights – all that and more in this packed episode!

Yes, we’re back. Our summer travels are over – five countries in two months (we love this wacky world of ours!) and we’re back in the news pool! First up, yes, it might have been a week ago (or, uhhh, a little more – sorry we also got sick last week, further delaying us), but we give you the highlights of the wonderous 2024 Olympics – the highs, the lows and many little fabulous factoids we bet you didn’t even know. Also, New Zealand races to make the WHOLE country rodent-free. But just why might surprise you. In entertainment news, the world’s biggest pop star is under threat – well, her concerts were. We’ll tell you more about the latest Taylor Swift concert saga. And the spooky story of a little girl who was afraid of the dark – because of the monsters in her room. She wasn’t all wrong either… You gotta listen to the whole episode to get the buzz on this crazy story and more!

Hello there Newsies! Yep, we're still on our summer break... But we have another episode swap for you with another podcast from the fab Kids Listen Community. That’s a group of producers making audio content for kids. Check out their website kidslisten.org to hear a ton of great podcasts – from factual, like ours, to fictional stories that spark the imagination and some that are a mix of both fact and fiction. This episode swap is with Storypillar where Sneak, Bean and Meg tackle the sticky situations kids face as they grow and change, like this episode, The Bunny and the Crow, set in The Yukon and about siblings driving each other crazy. Enjoy - and see you in mid-August!

Hi Newsies! As you know, we're on a summer break... But we’re not leaving the news pool high and dry. Oh, no! We have a few episode's swaps in store for you with other podcasters, who are part of the fabulous Kids Listen Community. That’s a group of producers making audio content for kids. Check out their website kidslisten.org to hear a ton of great podcasts – from factual, like ours, to fictional stories that spark the imagination. And some are a mix of fact and fiction – real information along with made-up entertainment – like Dorktales Storytime, who were swapping with this podcast. Dorktales is a kids podcast of social emotional fairy tales, hidden hero histories and lores where anything-is-possible. In this episode they uncover the life of Maya Lin, the visionary artist and architect behind one of the most visited memorials in America. Enjoy! And see you in August!

In world news this episode, it’s World Environment Day – and that means – bring on the good dirt and soil. Plus, results are in from the world’s largest election ever held, yes, we’re talking about India. And, think you know your continents? Well, is Zealandia on your list? It should be as scientists map a newly discovered continent – hear our special report from “down under.” Also, feeling hungry? How about a handful of snails? They love them so much in Spain that thousands gather for a snail festival. And, finally, hear why some New Yorkers are getting scary with their laughs!

On kid news this week...An orangutang in Indonesia is found doing something fascinating with a leaf after he get a wound on his face we're talking break-through self-medication! Remember our story on whale-talk? Well, we have an update on efforts to decipher the code. Plus, an update on the man who got a pig kidney transplant. Also, way down under they're blasting rockets to the sky-find out where and why. And heard the one about the Great Dutch racoon escape? Well, you will if you stay tuned till the end!

In wacky world news for kids this week… We have a double dose of board game news – from the release of a new, noncombative Scrabble edition to a new Indian teenage superstar on the chess scene. We give you the lowdown on both, plus some backstory about the games. Also, learn how scientists are going to use AI to translate whale-speak. Staying with nature – two freakishly huge fossils are found that might creep you out. And a stowaway cat uses one of her nine lives and gives new meaning to a prrrrrrfect parcel – to find out what happened, you gotta listen to the podcast!

In honor of Earth Day we have four environment and nature stories… Talk about grasping at straws – wait till you hear about the new cages being used to protect and rebuild Florida’s dying coral reef! Speaking of the environment, you won’t believe what a big group of Swiss grannies did to get their eco-warrior credentials. Taylor Swift releases her 11 album – hear what records she broke doing so. Hear a special report about a different kind of “swifty” from Indonesia gives new meaning to “spit and sawdust” when it comes to making their nests. And in Turkey a dog-squad are on the prowl in a major airport to help relieve stressed out travelers. All that and more this week!

In world news for kids this week... Fake diamonds are on the rise, but it’s not all as dodgy or criminal as it sounds... Also, a US man and a genetically modified pig kidney make history in a ground breaking transplant, a Scottish grandmother turns into a game rand wins a fan - following despite, or because of her grumpiness and in France the beloved breakfast bun- the croissant -is "crossbread" in more ways than one!

In kid news this week… Researchers uncover amazing ancient and medieval tools... from the 1700-year-old egg (that still has its slimy yolk intact!) and a map that proves how well people got along. Plus, the results are in on how effective a four-day-week is, plus Ariana Grande and her grand gran break records, Major League Baseball is wrapping up its spring training before the official start of the season – we have a special report from Arizona – and two UK soccer teams give new meaning to the phrase, “pull your socks up!” Have a listen to hear all that and more in your regular dose of wacky world news!

This week in kid news from around the world – new, wild looking aquatic species are discovered off the coast of Chile, scientist also discover the world’s tiniest loud fish from Myanmar – and when we say loud, we’re not joking! Plus, NASA observes a new planet covered in hot water, Daylight Saving (or is it Savings?!) explained and the shroom-sprouting frog India. Yes, you read that correctly. But to find out what that actually means, have a listen to this episode now!

In kid news this week – mobile phones are banned in UK schools in line with European cell phone bans, India’s massive solar and wind park in the salt plains of Gujarat, the world’s biggest cruise ship takes week-long jaunts and Spain’s tiniest escape room creeps us out! All that and more on your wackiest wrap of world news.

Gong xi fa cai, everyone! Say what? Happy Chinese New Year, of course. Hear our Year of the Dragon special with reports from China, Taiwan AND South Korea this year from our team of kid correspondents – find out how their families celebrate the biggest event of their year and the story of the first “monster” that inspired the celebrations! Plus, find out what’s causing the “blood rain” in the United Kingdom and what dust from the Sahara Desert dust has to do with it. And hear how a town in Italy is using DNA for a “poop patrol” to locate and fine lazy pet owners.

In world news for kids (and adults!) this week… India sees the grand opening of the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya, but not everyone is happy – we dive deep to explain why. Also, a major discovery is found hidden beneath the Amazon rainforest – not just remains of the Upano people, but – thanks to laser technology – it’s discovered they were a vast and sophisticated civilization. And did you have any idea how dirty fast-food fumes can be, never mind posh cooking in big, fancy kitchens too? Well, some clever scientists in Sweden have an innovative solution – the Lepido device – for upcycling food fumes. And in Britain a zoo tries – again – to stop foul-mouthed parrots from creating a naughty pandemonium!

Happy Lohri and Pongal, everyone! No idea what those are? Never fear – this is your round-up of South Asia’s winter sun harvest festivals. Plus, scientist find miracle volcanic clay caused ice ages and in strict Singapore cats finally get credibility and can be pets in public housing after all. All that and more this week on the best news pod for kids, Newsy Pooloozi! Also – did you hear our call-out last week? We’re expanding our team and accepting applications for MORE kid correspondents from anywhere all over the world – as long as you speak clear (and enthusiastic!) English and are curious about the world! Send us a voice note stating your name, where you’re from and where you live now (if they’re different) along with the answers to these three questions: What do you like doing in your spare time, what is your favorite class in school and which Newsy Pooloozi story has stuck with you the longest? Send the voice note to contact@newsypooloozi.com and we’ll be in touch. We’re also looking for any older kids or adults who’d like to join our content writing team and/or our social media team. Drop us a line if so!