You spent 2021 hunkered down at home with your kids, your partner, and a whole lot of Disney+. Even with COVID-19 restrictions slowly being loosened, you forsee a whole lot of together-at-home time in 2021. If you need a change of pace, and a way to connect to your community give a listen to these family-friendly podcasts from Portland and beyond. We’ve got a range of shows to make you laugh, think, and be inspired as a family. Read on to tune in.

For Kids

Roam Schooled
This popular family-made podcast ran from 2016-2018, based on often difficult questions posed to father and producer Jim Brunberg by his twin daughters. They took to the road to discover the answers together. Made “for anyone with a curious heart,” Roam Schooled originated in Portland, and has 12 thought-provoking episodes archived for your listening entertainment.

Podcast and Website: roamschooled.com

Photo courtesy Ali Wilkinson/Cool Facts About Animals

Cool Facts About Animals
Made by and for kids, this podcast takes a deep dive into learning about some of the most interesting animals, like koalas, water bears and giant clams! Episodes are short and sweet, making this a great choice for busy, curious kids. Made by kids in Portland!

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com
Website: coolfactsaboutanimalspodcast.wordpress.com

Visit Portland
There’s always something new to explore in the City of Roses. With podcast host Jim Smith as tour guide, get ready to take a family-friendly virtual tour of Portland. Current content is pandemic-relevant, taking a look at how Portland is responding to the crisis. New to the podcast? Check out the “Where to play in Portland” episode for especially kid-centric activities.

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com

Photo courtesy of Paul North/Meet the Ocean

Meet the Ocean
On days when the stay-at-home order has your family down, head to the beach! Virtually, that is. This nonprofit Portland-made podcast brings you ocean science and storytelling for all ages. Special segments like Kids Talk segments allow kids’ voices to come forward, and the three-minute Creature Features episodes investigate animals around the world. Founded by an underwater photographer with a theater background, Meet the Ocean brings great storytelling to the natural world of the sea.

Podcast and Website: meettheocean.org

Kid Literate
This mother-daughter team cultivates episodes on intentional media use. Sarah Powers, host of the popular Mom Hour podcast, is joined by her 11-year-old daughter for an entertaining look at the books, shows, podcasts, and music their family enjoys. Listen in for kid-approved recommendations the whole family can get into.

Podcast and Website: kidliteratepodcast.com

The Tiny PottersThis kid-led podcast is a deep dive into all things Harry Potter! With help from mom, this brother and sister team explores the series chapter by chapter. Great for Potter fans, excellent for critical thinking skills. This is an archived show.

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com
Website: tinypotters.com

What If World
An L.A. based storytelling podcast, What If World crafts entertaining stories from real-life What If questions from kids. Call with your own What If question, leave a voicemail at 205-605-WHAT, and you might be featured on the show. You can even visit the Story Generator to weave a tale of your own. Creative, playful, and inspiring.

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com
Website: whatifworldpodcast.com

Photo courtesy Ali Wilkinson/Kids Listen

Other Kids’ Podcast Resources
Check out Kids Listen, a grassroots organization compiling high-quality kids’ audio. There are an overwhelming number of podcasts out there, and this app helps you find the best in kid-friendly content. Their latest offering is their very own podcast, the Kids Listen Activity Podcast. Each episode features content from a new podcast in their member network, along with extension activities to help your little ones engage with what they hear.

For Parents

Raising Cascadia
In this brand-new podcast, two moms invite special guests for stimulating conversation about life under quarantine in the Pacific Northwest. With topics like Having a Baby During the Pandemic and Helping Kids with Anxiety, this local show is down-to-earth and relevant.

Podcast and Website: raisingcascadia.com

Stronger Every Day
This weekly podcast is hosted by a local stay-at-home father to a special needs daughter with an ultra-rare genetic disease. Follow this family’s journey as they navigate school and special education, exploring what’s different about their daughter and the many things she has in common with other fourth-graders.

Podcast and Website: portlandrootsmedia.com

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

Another Mother Runner Podcast
Have you taken up running during the pandemic? The AMR podcast holds a wealth of resources specific to female runners, from nutrition to cross-training. Every other Tuesday, podcast hosts field questions from listeners. The podcast is just one of many offerings from AMR, which began as a blog co-written by two moms training for marathons (including Portland’s Bowen Shea,) and now includes races, training programs, books, and a fantastic online community. Lace up your shoes and join in!

Podcast: anothermotherrunner.com/another-mother-runner-podcast
Website: anothermotherrunner.com

This is the Long Version
From a Pacific Northwest dad, this is a thoughtful new podcast on children, music, relationships, family, hiking, schooling and education, history, and the creative process.

Podcast and Website: verylongchronicles.com

photo by Kate Oseen on Unsplash

Go Mom Go Pacific Northwest
Eugene-based hosts Emily and Amy hang out and chat parenting in the Pacific Northwest. Pop in your headphones while you fold another load of laundry or tackle a sinkful of dishes. Go Mom Go will make you feel like you’re hanging out with good friends. Also check out Stay Mom Stay, their awesome list of pandemic resources for parents at home.

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com
Website: gomomgopnw.com

Mikey and Rinne Stay In
Infertility sucks. So does the fact that it can be an isolating, under-discussed experience. Join Portland podcasters Mikey and Rinne, a couple managing to strike a balance of humor and sincerity in telling the not-so-simple story of making babies. Refreshingly honest and often hilarious.

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com
Online: mikeyandrinnestayin.com

-Annette Benedetti

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