Parent Busters

Jacqueline Wilson and Ella Wilson

Welcome to Parent Busters: A fun and FUNNY podcast where parents and kids can learn about interesting and sometimes weird topics together (and laugh together!). We're also busting some funny and weird sayings, superstitions & wives’ tales our parents told us. Great if you're looking for a podcast for kids and parents for family listening, homeschool podcasts, or podcasts for teachers to learn with kids! Be sure to grab our FREE Buster Deduction Sheets BEFORE listening to the episodes or just head over for more learning after listening on ParentBusters.com.

  1. 24/10/2023

    Trick or Treat Traditions: Intriguing Tales of Halloween Fun Facts (Busting Back Episode)

    Ever wondered about the spooky origins of Halloween and how it evolved into the holiday we know today? In this BUSTING BACK EPISODE, embark on a chilling journey as Jackie and Ella unravel the suspenseful history and traditions of this spectral celebration and tons of trick or treating fun facts / Halloween fun facts for kids! The journey begins with the start of Halloween, rooted in Celtic festivals marking the end of summer and onset of death-associated cold seasons, and how it was later influenced by the Romans and their own festive customs.  From there, we hop across the Atlantic, unmasking how this eerie European tradition blended with Native American customs to morph into a uniquely American celebration.  With the influx of Irish immigrants in the 19th century, Halloween began to weave its web all over the nation. The treasured custom of trick-or-treating didn't miss our radar either.  Brace yourself as we navigate through its history, tracing back to early Celtic and Roman Catholic festivals and the 9th-century All Souls Day. Finally, we cast light on the sweet side of Halloween - candy history!  Learn about the creation of the quintessential candy corn by the Golitz family and the fascinating tale of the 1923 Chicken Dinner Candy Bar.  But the Halloween magic doesn't end in America.  We'll jet around the world, unearthing Halloween traditions in different cultures, from the Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong to Dia das Bruchas in Brazil.  So, grab your broomstick and join us for a wickedly enlightening adventure into Halloween's past. Support the show Grab your free Buster Deduction sheet for kids! Check out how your can support our LISTEN FOR CAUSE to help us give back to others! INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK *All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

    52 min
  2. 17/10/2023

    Watermelons on Halloween? Weird Pumpkin Traditions and History (Busting Back Episode)

    Ready for a deep-dive into the world of pumpkins and gourds? In this Parent Busters Busting Back Episode, we'll cover all the pumpkin facts and pumpkin lore you never knew you needed! Pumpkins, a staple in American traditions, hold some fascinating and surprising secrets and we're going to  unmask the mystery behind these seemingly simple fruits (yes, fruits!).  Listen along as we reveal the surprising history of the jack-o'-lantern, the culinary uses of pumpkins and gourds, the weird, ongoing pumpkin-squash debat, and other fun facts about pumpkins for kids and parents like: What is the story behind Jack O lantern?Why is the pumpkin a symbol of Halloween?What’s the deal with jack-o lantern faces?Why Do We Carve Pumpkins at Halloween? What SUPER UNUSUAL Halloween “treat” did Jackie get when she was a kid while trick-or-treating?What vegetable did they use before pumpkins? (What people used to carve for Halloween and why.)Who the heck is Pumpkin Jack?Is pumpkin a root vegetable?Pumpkin vs squash vs gourdPumpkin types & MORE We'll take a nostalgic journey down memory lane, comparing Halloween's past and present, and ponder over the disappearing tradition of handing out fruits and homemade goodies.  Expect to hear some laughter, some sighs, and a fair amount of pumpkin trivia. Finally, we'll travel through time and across cultures, exploring the significant role these round, orange fruits have played. From the Greek etymology of the word 'pumpkin' to the Huron Indians' lore of the divine woman who gave birth to maize, beans, and pumpkin.  We'll even touch on some fascinating tribal rituals involving pumpkin flower dances.  And, if you've ever wondered just how many seeds there are in a pumpkin, we've got the answer!  Also, a special story from Jackie's weird childhood. Remember the good old days of trick-or-treating?  There's a story of a Halloween night, a time when apples and popcorn balls were the norm, and a stranger who ran out of candies resorted to giving out a special treat instead. (Nope, not a pumpkin!) Join us on this fun-filled and informative journey through the fascinating world of pumpkins and gourds that you never knew you needed. You're welcome. Support the show Grab your free Buster Deduction sheet for kids! Check out how your can support our LISTEN FOR CAUSE to help us give back to others! INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK *All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

    52 min
  3. 26/09/2023

    Unraveling Autumn, Without Pumpkin Spice (Busting Back Episode)

    Ready for an autumn adventure?  In this BUSTING BACK Parent Busters podcast episode, we're taking a vibrant journey through the science, mythology and folklore of fall.  Prepare to be spellbound as we decode the enigma of leaf color change, frostproof evergreens, and the reasons behind the customary shedding of leaves by perennial trees.  We also unmask the role of chlorophyll and photosynthesis in the survival of trees, and let's not forget a chat about Conkers, the popular fall game.  Ever wondered about the ancient stories spun around the changing seasons?  Discover the divine dance between nature and mythology because we're stepping back in time to Greece to uncover the mythological drama starring the Hora and Persephone.  Leaf Science: We also explore the intriguing mystery of why some trees lose their leaves starting from the top.  Brace yourself for an enchanting walk through the woods of folklore and superstitions associated with fall leaves.  Hear the haunting Huron legend about the celestial clash between a bear and a deer that affects the foliage below. Learn about the time-honored beliefs that predict harsh winters from bright autumn leaves and bring good luck to those who catch a falling leaf.  Grab a warm cup of cocoa (oh, ok, or a pumpkin spice latte), make yourself comfortable, and listen along as we embark on this fun journey through the captivating world of fall science and fun for fall y'all! Support the show Grab your free Buster Deduction sheet for kids! Check out how your can support our LISTEN FOR CAUSE to help us give back to others! INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK *All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

    34 min
  4. 19/09/2023

    Weird Body Myths: From Elbow Licking Challenges to Eye-Pop Sneezing

    Ever thought of licking your elbow or touching your nose with your tongue? Sounds ludicrous, right? In this Parent Busters podcast episode, we expose weird body myths and weird body challenges, starting off with the laughably impossible task of licking your elbow.  We not only looked into the science that makes this task challenging for most but also discovered the rare few who can! In a hilarious twist, we even gave it a try ourselves and let's just say, it was an interesting experience... In this fun kids science podcast episode, we'll also cover: Is it actually possible to lick your elbow? / Is it rare to be able to lick your elbow?What are some rare body facts?What are the unique things that your body can do? (And can't do!)Can sneezing cause eye to pop out?Is it possible to sneeze with your eyes open (or is it a myth)?What happens if you sneeze with your mouth closed? (Or, hold your sneeze)Who can roll their tongue?What is tongue folding?Is it rare to be able to lick your nose?Can some people lick their nose?& MORE WEIRD BODY FACTS FOR KIDSIf you're looking for a blend of humor, fun science tricks for kids to try, and some unexpected facts about your body you've never heard, we've got you covered in this fun podcast for parents and kids to learn together! Support the show Grab your free Buster Deduction sheet for kids! Check out how your can support our LISTEN FOR CAUSE to help us give back to others! INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK *All resources and references used in researching this podcast episode are found on the corresponding episode post on ParentBusters.com.

    38 min

About

Welcome to Parent Busters: A fun and FUNNY podcast where parents and kids can learn about interesting and sometimes weird topics together (and laugh together!). We're also busting some funny and weird sayings, superstitions & wives’ tales our parents told us. Great if you're looking for a podcast for kids and parents for family listening, homeschool podcasts, or podcasts for teachers to learn with kids! Be sure to grab our FREE Buster Deduction Sheets BEFORE listening to the episodes or just head over for more learning after listening on ParentBusters.com.