Aria-nominated trio The Beanies, comprised of Laura, Mim and Michael, are back with an all new podcast series every Monday on Kinderling Kids Radio and to celebrate their return, we thought we’d pick their collective brain on all things kid, screen-time and what entertainment means in this day and age.
p.s. If you ever get an opportunity to see this charismatic group live I urge you to go because they bring the laughs, the energy, music and more fun than you ever thought possible! My kids are still talking about their first Beanies concert over a year on!
Actually would you know, this enigmatic trio are playing a special Christmas Spectacular at Paramatta’s Riverside Theatres on Thursday 12 December. Bringing you festive favourites like Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as well as their own Christmas Carol, The Christmas Rumba, the Beanies are slated to bring their classic dose of entertainment and some classic Christmas fun too. Santa might even drop in too!
Concert Details:
When: Thursday 12th December at 6.30pm
Where: Riverside Theatres - corner of Church and Market Sts, Parramatta
Tickets: Single tickets $22 Family of 4 $80. Available https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/the-beanies-christmas-spectacular/ or from the Box Office (02) 8839 3399. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres’ Members. Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60.
Ages: 2 – 7 years and their families
TLH: What can we expect from this latest Beanies series?
The Beanies: Mini-Beanies can expect traditional Beanie episodes fulls of songs, stories, lessons and general nonsense BUT we are excited to say The Beanies will now be inviting Mini-Beanies on to the air waves to do a Show and Tell!
TLH: We’re loving the interactive nature of the new format; how can Mini Beanies get involved and have their own voices included on the podcast?
The Beanies: Mini-Beanies can ask their big person to help them record their voice where they can show and tell the Beanies anything they like or even ask a question! All they need to say is:
- Hi Beanies, my name is
- I am years old
- Today I have brought a for Show and Tell. (then tell us all about it!)
- I have a questions for The Beanies and it is
- Bye Beanies!
TLH: Will you have a focus on wellness for children? How does that manifest?
The Beanies: We have always said that Beanies is good for the mind, body and soul! The podcast gets kids using their mind in lateral and creative ways, using their minds eyes and flexing that imagination muscle. It’s also great to get kids up and dancing along for their little body and of course, silliness is good for the soul!
TLH: Why is it important for parents to factor in ways to facilitate wellness for their children?
The Beanies: It’s important for everyone to practice wellness! As grown ups, we have big stresses, but sometimes picking what cookie you’re going to have is just as stressful for kids! Giving them an outlet and escape is important.
TLH: What do you think engages kids the most when listening to your podcast?
The Beanies: Ooh, that is a good question. Feedback from parents has been so varied it is hard to answer. The stories are definitely a big draw card for kids - the inclusion of sound effects and silly voices sets us apart from other storytelling devices and helps give a real sense of being in the story. The songs are also an important element as well as the brain breaks where we ask children to close their eyes and imagine along with The Beanies.
TLH: The iPad and technology in general has become a common fixture for kids of today; how do you think the podcast fits in with that in a positive way?
The Beanies: The iPad will always be a huge part of kid's lives, our podcast still fits in with this but gives an opportunity to imagine along with the help of The Beanies rather than being spoon fed entertainment as some TV shows or YouTube channels do.
TLH: Aside from podcast series like your wonderful one, what other forms of screen free entertainment could parents be encouraging their children to participate in?
The Beanies: Mim Beanie is a huge fan of painting and craft, Laura Beanie loves taking walks with her dog and Michael Beanie loves a swim at the beach.
TLH: Why is excessive screen time dangerous?
The Beanies: The Beanies don't want to scare parents and Mini-Beanies away from screens - screens will always be a huge part of their lives. But we do want to give parents and children another option of entertainment rather than the simple screen.
TLH: How important is the simple art of play?
The Beanies: The Beanies are always encouraging learning through play. By being imaginative and thinking of new games, things to do, characters and stories, kids are exercising their creativity muscle which is vital!
TLH: How do you feel play encourages learning?
The Beanies: Learning to be creative is so important. The World Economic forum found that children entering Primary School today will one day end up working in jobs that do not exist! How do we prepare kids or an unimagined future? By helping them be creative!
TLH: We’d love to know what Michael Beanie, Laura Beanie and Mim Beanie’s favourite/fondest childhood memories are?
The Beanies: Laura Beanie's fondest childhood memory is travelling around Australia and camping with her family.
Michael’s fondest memory is Christmas with his family at Bluey’s beach. All his family together swimming and eating in the holidays!
Mim's favourite childhood memory is playing board games with her family and making arts and crafts with her mum.
TLH: How do you think your childhoods would have been affected had screens been more prevalent then?
The Beanies: We think though screens are great they can put a barrier between creativity if used too much which is exactly why we created The Beanies podcast! Happy listening!
The Beanies are one of the most popular children’s podcasts in Australia boasting over 500,000 downloads across their series and winners of ‘Best Family & Kids’ Podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards 2018.
The Beanies burst into the children’s entertainment arena in 2016 with their immensely popular podcasts which have racked up over half a million downloads. The Beanies have also released three albums including Imagination Station nominated for 'Best Children's Album' at this year’s ARIA awards.
Available on the Kinderling Kids Radio App, or wherever you get your podcasts.