Shows
Faithfully Explore!Trail of Belief: The Journey of the Latter-day SaintsPack your curiosity caps and grab your imaginary wagons because this week on Faithfully Explore!, we're journeying west across plains, rivers, and rugged mountains on the Trail of Belief. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Laura, your trail guide and storyteller, walks us through the incredible history of the Latter-day Saint pioneers, who braved hardship and hope to build a new life of faith in the Salt Lake Valley.With music, storytelling, soundscapes, and imagination, kids and families will explore:The founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThe story of Joseph Smith and...2025-07-2336 min
Faithfully Explore!What Goes Around: Exploring KarmaWhat is karma, really? Is it just about good deeds and bad luck or is there something deeper going on? In this adventure-filled episode of Faithfully Explore!, Laura guides kids and families on a joyful, thoughtful journey into the idea of karma across multiple faiths and cultures.From Hinduism’s cosmic point system to Jainism’s sticky soul stains, Buddhism’s kind intentions to Sikhism’s balance between action and grace, we explore how different worldviews understand the ripple effects of our actions. Along the way, kids stretch their bodies in mindful movement, join in a Karma Chain gu...2025-07-1639 min
Faithfully Explore!Living Waters: Baptism Across the Christian WorldJoin Laura for a splashy, globe-trotting adventure in “Living Waters: Baptism Across the Christian World.” From Greek origins to Jesus’s own river baptism, we explore how Christians everywhere use water as a symbol of washing away mistakes and starting fresh.In This EpisodeWhat Is Baptism?Discover how the word “baptizo” means “to immerse,” why water symbolizes new life, and how Jesus’s own baptism set the example for nearly 2,000 years of Christian practice.Guided ImaginationTake a “River Walk” in your mind—feel the warm sun, hear the water lap, and imagine stepping into living waters surrounded by f...2025-06-2533 min
Faithfully Explore!Star Maps: What the Skies Teach Us Around the WorldKia ora, Faithful Explorers! In this sparkling episode, your adventure guide Laura takes you on a magical journey across the night sky, discovering how stars guide, inspire, and connect cultures worldwide. Gather around our imaginary campfire under a blanket of stars, and let's explore together!Episode Highlights:Meet Matariki: Discover how Māori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand celebrate the rising of the Matariki constellation (also known as the Pleiades), marking their New Year with deep reflection, gratitude, and hope.Stars Across Cultures: Learn fascinating star-stories from Japan (Subaru) and ancient Greece (the Seven S...2025-06-1843 min
Faithfully Explore!Kind Without a Creed: Exploring Humanist ValuesEpisode OverviewIn this week’s adventure, Laura opens the door to a big question: “If someone doesn’t believe in heaven, God, or religious rules, what helps them decide to be a good person?” Join us as we wander through our imaginary library of beliefs, pull down the Humanism shelf, and discover how kindness, curiosity, courage, and fairness can come straight from withinmno creed required. We’ll play Compass Quest, meet inspiring thinkers from Carl Sagan, Jane Goodall, and Hypatia; cozy up for the Stone Soup story; and fill our Belief Backpacks with new treasures of empathy, r...2025-06-1136 min
Faithfully Explore!Hajj: A Sacred JourneyPack your imagination and join Laura on Faithfully Explore! as we journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj—the sacred pilgrimage that millions of Muslims embark on each year.🌍 In This Episode You’ll Discover:What is Hajj? Learn why Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the significance behind it, and why millions gather from around the globe for this special journey.Exploring Meaningful Rituals: Experience the awe of pilgrims circling the Kaaba, praying at Mount Arafat, camping under desert stars at Muzdalifah, and symbolically stoning evil.Storytime: The Tal...2025-06-0438 min
Faithfully Explore!Confucius Says: Words Build BridgesWelcome to Ancient China!Join host Laura as we embark on an exciting exploration to meet Confucius, an influential teacher and thinker whose ideas of kindness, respect, and learning have guided generations for over 2,500 years.In this Episode:🗺️ Travel Back in Time: Discover who Confucius was, where he lived, and why his teachings still matter today.🗣️ Learn Mandarin: Say hello (nǐ hǎo), teacher (lǎoshī), thank you (xiè xie), and more!🎓 Big Ideas: Explore filial piety (respect for family), the Golden Rule, and the joy of lifelong learning.🎲 Play Games...2025-05-2834 min
Faithfully Explore!The Shabbat Table: A Time for Rest and ConnectionIn this warm and joyful episode of Faithfully Explore!, we pull up a chair to the Shabbat table and discover one of Judaism’s most beloved traditions. Laura guides young listeners through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Shabbat—from glowing candles and braided challah to blessings, rest, and togetherness. Families will learn what Shabbat means, why Jewish people celebrate it weekly, and how rest and connection are gifts we can all enjoy.🕍 In This Episode, Kids Will:🕯️ Learn about Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest🍞 Imagine a cozy Shabbat dinner through an interactive sto...2025-05-2138 min
Faithfully Explore!Listening Hearts: Discovering the Power of PrayerListening Hearts: Discovering the Power of PrayerLength: ~33 minutesAudience: Kids ages 5–12 and their grown-ups🧡 Episode Summary:How do people pray around the world—and what even is prayer? In this sound-rich, heart-centered episode, Laura helps kids explore the many ways people talk, listen, move, and reflect through prayer. From singing and stillness to movement and memory games, children will discover global traditions, reflect on their own experiences, and have a whole lot of fun along the way!Perfect for family listening, classrooms, faith groups, and curious hearts of all kin...2025-05-1433 min
Faithfully Explore!Under the Bodhi Tree: A Journey into Vesak DayEpisode SummaryIn this peaceful and playful episode of Faithfully Explore!, we celebrate Vesak, the most important Buddhist holiday. Laura guides young listeners through the story of the Buddha, from his life as a curious prince to his moment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Kids and families will learn what Buddhists believe, explore Vesak celebrations across the globe, and reflect on kindness, balance, and mindfulness.🧘♀️ In This Episode, Kids Will:🕯️ Hear the story of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha🌍 Take a sound-filled journey to Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia to see how Vesak is celebrat...2025-05-0729 min
Faithfully Explore!The Turbaned Tornado: Meet Fauja SinghIn this inspiring episode of Faithfully Explore, host Laura takes listeners on a journey through the life of Fauja Singh, an incredible hero who proves that no dream has an age limit. Born in 1911 in Punjab, India, Fauja overcame a frail childhood to become a world-renowned marathon runner, even starting his running career at the age of 89. The episode delves into his life achievements, struggles, and the significance of his Sikh faith, explaining why he wears his distinct turban and how his beliefs have guided him. Alongside learning about the Sikh faith, listeners get to understand the values of...2025-04-3037 min
Faithfully Explore!Kindness in Bloom: Celebrating Ridvan and the Bahai FaithIn this episode of Faithfully Explore!, host Laura delves into the rich tapestry of the Baháʼí Faith, discussing its core beliefs of unity, kindness, and education. Listeners learn about the Baháʼí celebration of Riḍván, a 12-day festival marking significant events in the faith's history. Through a heartwarming story about a girl named Maya, Laura illustrates the Baháʼí principles of inclusivity and friendship. The episode also includes an interactive game called 'What Would You Plant?' encouraging children to make choices that reflect positive values. Additionally, Laura introduces a weekly kindness challenge, urging young listeners to perform daily acts of kind...2025-04-2332 min
Faithfully Explore!The Story Keepers: Explore Aboriginal BeliefsIn this fun and enchanting episode, we take a magical journey across the red earth of Australia to explore the ancient beliefs of Aboriginal people. We meet incredible creatures like the mythical Rainbow Serpent, listen to talking animals, and collect special 'belief stones' filled with wisdom. We walk barefoot, feel the warm ground, and hear the sounds of nature all around us. We learn about the 'Dreaming', a world where time is a big circle connecting the past, present, and future. We visit the sacred rock Uluru, hear stories about the unique platypus, and complete a Dream Time Adventure...2025-04-1628 min
Faithfully Explore!Belief Backpacks: Let's Explore TogetherIn this introductory episode of Faithfully Explore, Laura welcomes listeners to embark on a journey of exploring the world’s diverse belief systems. She explains what a belief is and discusses the importance of understanding different beliefs to build strong, respectful relationships. Through various engaging stories and thought exercises, Laura highlights how beliefs shape our lives and how we can learn from each other’s traditions and wisdom. She introduces the concept of the ‘Belief Backpack’ and the ‘Friendship Bridge,’ encouraging listeners to earn their first ‘Bridge Builder’ badge by respectfully learning about someone else’s beliefs. The episode ends with a story...2025-04-0128 min