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Best Friends Host Hit Road Trip Podcast

By
Laurie Bertke
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A family roadtrip trivia podcast graphic.
The Family Road Trip Trivia has gained fans around the country and averages 60,000 downloads an episode.

The summer road trip is a time-honored tradition guaranteed to fortify the bonds of family even while testing the mettle of the most patient and loving parents.

Preparation is key to surviving long hours on the road with a backseat full of little ones, a fact that Brittany Gibbons knows all too well as a mother of three who regularly drives to Florida to visit family. About four years ago it occurred to her that a trivia podcast would be a fun way to help pass the hours.

When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she and her best friend Meredith Soleau decided to team up with their kids to make the trivia podcast they wanted to hear. Thus the hit Family Road Trip Trivia podcast was born.

As longtime friends who also own and run a successful Toledo area marketing agency together, the two women knew they had a winning idea on their hands and decided to carry on producing weekly episodes every Friday. Covering diverse pop culture topics ranging from Harry Potter to chain restaurants to 90s trivia, it didn’t take long for the podcast to find an audience.

Producing a hit

Each episode now averages 60,000 downloads and the show is a regular chart topper on the Apple Podcasts Kids & Family list. A little over a year ago, Gibbons and Soleau were approached and signed by the Airwave Media podcast network.

“The show has really exploded, so it’s been fun,” Soleau, a mother of three, said.

Occasionally Gibbons and Soleau record live shows at Rosaria’s on 3rd Street in Perrysburg and the Swanton Public Library. This summer, they brought on two “interns” to guest host: Soleau’s 21-year-old son, Lars, and his girlfriend, Kelsie.

Episodes usually range in length from 11 to 15 minutes, making them easy to binge in the car. Topics come from listener suggestions, and most episodes begin with the hosts giving “shout outs” to their young fans who write in. Gibbons says this has increased listener engagement and helped kids who tune in take ownership of the show.

The kindest audience

Family Road Trip Trivia is not the first or only podcast the two friends have produced together, but they both agree that children are their favorite audience. “We get lots of videos of kids pretending to be us,” Gibbons said. She jokes that she likes to remind her teenagers how “cool” she is to younger kids.

“Children are the kindest audience you could ever have,” adds Soleau.

RELATED: Emotion Motion Podcast Helps Children Find Their Feelings

Two people standing together for a picture.
Meredith Soleau, left, and Brittany Gibbons host the hit “Family Road Trip Trivia” podcast. Photo by Laurie Bertke.

Gibbons admits she is a little surprised the show is still going strong and finding new fans after four years. She attributes its success in part to the fact that the hosts don’t “pander” to their audience. “Kids are funny. They get jokes. They get sarcasm and they want to feel cool. I love that we speak to them on that level,” she said. “I just think treating them like people is something we do really well and I think it’s super needed.”

Weekly episodes of Family Road Trip Trivia can be found on your favorite podcasting service. For more summer road trip entertainment, check out these other kid-friendly podcasts:

  • The Past and the Curious: This history podcast created by museum professional and educator Mick Sullivan explores many of the people and places left out of the history books.
  • Culture Kids: Culture Kids Podcast explores different cultures to help children embrace differences with curiosity, respect and equality while celebrating the similarities between all people.
  • WOW in the World: This podcast shares the latest news in science, technology and innovation for kids and their families.

Popular Articles

What’s cooking? Children’s Kitchen Skills and More

By
Dennis Bova
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A child helping a parent cook.
Photo from Pexels.

When it comes to preparing a meal, here’s a quick and easy recipe: take one child; add a patient, kind cook; mix in siblings, family, and friends; stir in a dose of fun, and there you have it: a youngster who begins to get the basics of cooking. 

Those in the Toledo area who offer cooking classes designed for children say the benefits are both short- and long-term, and in a sense, a recipe for success. 

Foodology

“Most professional cooks and chefs have something in common,” said Andi Lawrence, chef and owner of Foodology. “It’s that we grew up cooking in the kitchen with a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle.”

Lawrence has combined cooking and education at Foodology, that provides recreational cooking classes for all ages and skill levels at its Laskey Road location.

“Our classes are interactive – everyone’s cooking, chopping,” she said. “There’s a demonstration portion, then the chef guides the group through the process. We try to make it as inviting and comfortable for kids, those who haven’t been in a kitchen or those who like to cook at home.”

577 Foundation

In its Little Chefs series, the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg takes the concept of putting the children-cooks at ease one step further, by sharing the communal meal.

Kelly Rose Hirsh, 577’s assistant director of administrative operations, said the every-other-month one-day class is built around a theme. The next class, Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5-6:30 p.m., is Breakfast for Dinner. “We’ll have homemade pancake batter and a yogurt parfait,” she said, adding that typically 577’s child-cooking classes include three recipes. In this case, the children also will make a smoothie. 

After the children – usually aged 7 to 12, with 10 to 12 per class – prepare the meal’s components, “we go to the tables in the dining room and eat together,” Hirsh said.

“In the kitchen, we’re all working together, like you would as a family. They take turns pouring and stirring – it works well,” she said.

“We try to incorporate at least one or two ingredients that the kids never encountered,” Hirsh added. An example was the June class, which was making “walking tacos” – cooked ground beef put in a snack bag of corn chips. One of the toppings available was cilantro. “Some knew what that was, most didn’t. They smelled it and felt it before trying it. It was cool to see them experience something new.”

Hirsh added that when possible she uses fresh vegetables and herbs grown on 577 Foundation’s grounds and greenhouse.

RELATED: Zane’s Lebanese Grill Features build-your-own Lebanese cuisine 

YMCA

Health, such as through fresh fruits and vegetables, is a hallmark of the classes at the YMCA of Greater Toledo. “Our overall theme is to keep the kids healthy,” said Linda Napier, membership director at the Wolf Creek YMCA, one of three “Y” sites that offer cooking classes for children. 

The Y’s Kids That Cook offers three class levels: for those aged 3 to 5, 5 to 8, and 7 to 12. “Those in the 3 to 5 class might make pasta salad, with the pasta already cooked; in 7 to 12 they might do everything from scratch,” Napier said.

The Y classes teach children how to measure, wash fruits and vegetables, cut and mix ingredients and learn how to use some kitchen appliances, such as instant pots and air fryers. 

Napier said the classes expand the children’s palates as they are introduced to different foods and find what they like and dislike. 

One thing they universally like is the classes themselves. “They’re excited when they come out of class with a plate of blueberry pancakes that they made and show their mom and dad,” Napier said. “They’re excited about what they do and what they learned. Some even bought chef’s hats to wear.”

That excitement is just one of the side benefits of the class. “They learn life skills, math, reading,” Lawrence said. “The big thing is learning how to organize yourself while cooking.”

Hirsh said the 577 class also teaches children how to set a table. “Establishing eating at the table is important,” she said. The hope is that the children can help make a meal and give families more reasons to gather around a table. 

Helping to cook a family meal at their home builds confidence in children, Hirsh said. “When a kid can make their mom a meal on Mother’s Day,” she said, “that makes them feel good.”

She’s found that some kids are quiet, but develop self-esteem through cooking. “For some kids that means a lot – not every kid is into soccer or other sports. Some kids might find that to be their thing.”

Which circles back to Lawrence and her view that many chefs start as children, helping their parents in the kitchen. “I would suggest parents encourage kids to help, even if it’s not the most convenient,” she said. “Myself as a parent, you just want to get dinner done as easily as possible. To have the patience to slow down and have children help is huge. It might take longer and be messier, but to step back and show how to slice tomatoes is worth it.”

Lawrence added that parents might be surprised at their children’s reaction. “Children assume they can’t help, but take the initiative and have patience and trust them. They can do more than you think they’re capable of.”

For more details, visit foodologytoledo.com, 577foundation.org/classes-events/youth-family, and ymcatoledo.org/specialty-camps.

Popular Articles

Beyond the Screen: Finding Fun for Kids Outside the Digital Bubble

By
J. Wukotich
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Photo by:Tatiana Syrikova

In today’s digital age, children spend more time on cell phones, social media and streaming services for entertainment and education. While these technologies have many benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health and family relationships. It’s essential to find ways to engage our kids in both entertaining and educational activities to maintain a healthy balance and promote family bonding.

Rediscovering outdoor adventures

One of the simplest ways to pull kids away from screens is to encourage outdoor activities.  Hiking, biking, camping and even simple walks in the park can be refreshing alternatives. These activities promote physical fitness, environmental awareness and a sense of adventure.

Local suggestions:

  • Wildwood Preserve Metropark: With its extensive trails, picnic areas and the historic Manor House, Wildwood offers plenty of opportunities for family fun.
  • Toledo Botanical Garden: This garden provides a serene environment for leisurely walks and often hosts art shows and educational workshops.

Action tip: Plan regular family outings to local parks or nature reserves. Create a nature scavenger hunt to make the experience more engaging for younger children.

RELATED: Device-Free Time Fosters Better Connections

Cultivating a love for reading

Books are a fantastic way to entertain and educate children without needing screens. Reading enhances imagination, improves language skills, and provides a quiet, calming activity. For reluctant readers, consider graphic novels or audiobooks as a gateway to more traditional literature.

Local suggestions:

  • Toledo Lucas County Public Library: With multiple branches and a wide range of programs for children, the library is an excellent resource for fostering a love of reading.
  • Gathering Volumes Bookstore: Located in nearby Perrysburg, this independent bookstore hosts frequent children’s events, including storytimes, book clubs, and author visits.

Action tip: Establish a family reading time where everyone gathers to read their book. Share stories and discuss them to create a collaborative and enriching experience.

Embracing arts and crafts

Arts and crafts allow kids to express creativity and develop fine motor skills. From painting and drawing to sculpting and knitting, there are numerous ways for kiddos to explore their artistic side. These activities can be done individually or as a family, offering a chance for collaborative projects.

Local suggestions:

  • Toledo Museum of Art: Offers family-friendly art workshops and has a hands-on art area for children.
  • Imagination Station: This science center often includes creative arts and crafts activities in its exhibits and workshops.

Action tip: Set up a dedicated arts and crafts space at home stocked with various supplies. Choose a family art project to work on, such as creating a mural or building a model.

Encouraging physical play

Sports and physical games are excellent for keeping kids active and away from screens. Organized sports, such as soccer or basketball, teach teamwork and discipline, while backyard games like tag or hide-and-seek offer simple, unstructured fun.

Local suggestions:

Action tip: Schedule regular family game nights with a mix of board games and physical activities. This not only reduces screen time but also strengthens family bonds.

RELATED: Youth Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know

Exploring music and dance

Music and dance can be incredibly engaging for children, providing entertainment and educational value. Playing an instrument or taking dance lessons enhances cognitive development and coordination. Listening to different genres of music can also broaden their cultural horizons.

Local suggestions:

Action tip: Have a family music night where everyone picks a song to listen to or play. Encourage impromptu dance parties in the living room to get everyone moving.

Hands-on learning

Another great alternative is encouraging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities. They offer an approach to learning that doesn’t rely on screens. Building models, conducting experiments and solving puzzles can stimulate curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Local Suggestions:

  • Imagination Station: This science museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops that make STEM learning fun and engaging.
  • Toledo Zoo & Aquarium: Provides various educational programs and camps on biology and conservation.

Action tip: Invest in STEM kits that cater to your child’s interests, whether robotics, chemistry, or coding. Participate in the projects together to enhance the learning experience.

Connecting with community events

Community events bring excellent opportunities for families to engage in fun and educational activities together. Local festivals, fairs, and farmers’ markets often feature hands-on activities, live performances and opportunities to learn about local culture and history.

Local suggestions:

Action tip: Monitor local event calendars and plan family outings and community events. Use these outings as a chance to explore new interests and learn together.

While technology will always play a significant role in our lives, it’s essential to balance it with other enriching activities. We can help our children develop diverse skills and interests by finding ways to engage them in the real world. 

More importantly, we can create lasting memories and stronger family connections. Through outdoor adventures, reading, physical play, hands-on learning and community events, we can inspire a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for our children beyond the confines of the digital bubble.

Popular Articles

Summer Reading Ideas to Keep Kids Reading all Summer Long

By
Penny Tullis Meeker
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Parents reading with their child.
Photo provided by Pexels.

Keeping kids motivated to read can be a challenge. At the end of the school year, you may have seen a letter from the teachers saying, “Please help your student read 20 minutes a day so that they don’t lose any skills before next school year.

Lindsey Melden, a local parent and educator, has creative ideas to keep summer reading fun. She said she became an advocate for reading and literacy because “I’ve loved reading since I was a kid and so when I became a parent, I wanted to share this joy with my own children.”

Melden emphasized that reading doesn’t just help kids be more successful in school, it helps in life. She shares that “when I had my youngest child who was born with a disability, it became another avenue of expanding the conversation around inclusion, because one of the biggest skills that we learn through reading is empathy-building skills. You can read stories about different people’s experiences… and it can extend that compassion and empathy.”

RELATED: Disability Awareness Month: March Book List for Kids & Teens

Encourage independent reading

Keep summer reading fun by following your child’s preferences. They are much more likely to read something they are interested in. Kids may prefer audiobooks, reading on a tablet, online books, graphic novels, or play along books.

Often overlooked and perhaps most importantly, children learn from watching you. So let them see you pulling out a book when you have a few minutes.

Other tips to encourage independent reading:

  • Older kids can read to younger kids.
  • Kids love to try their new reading skills out on pets.
  • Do a book swap with families who have kids at similar reading levels. Kids are more likely to try a book that is recommended by a friend.
  • Match books to your outings. Whether it’s going blueberry picking, watching fireworks, or visiting grandma, there are books about it.
  • Offer kids a book during downtimes, while waiting for an appointment, during car rides or at restaurants.
  • Make a bingo card with general categories of books like fiction, non-fiction, books about animals or graphic novel. When kids read enough different kinds of books for a Bingo, they get a small prize or treat.

Families that read together

Melden encourages parents to read with their child because it gives positive association with reading.

  • Read out loud to your children. Even when they get older, you can pick out a book together and read to them while they work on a puzzle, color or build with Legos.
  • Read a book that has a movie adaptation. After everyone has finished the book or had it read to them, you can watch the movie together as a family.
  • Listen to audiobooks together. Too tired to read to your child before bed? Snuggle up with an audiobook. Taking a long car ride on vacation? Audiobook. Have a daily commute to daycare? Also, audiobook.

Use the library

Going to the library is a great summer activity to encourage reading. Nancy Eames, Youth Services Coordinator with Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries, creates programs that she hopes will build a summer reading habit.

“We want you to read for fun, because summer reading should be fun,” she said.

The library’s signature program, Summer Read, is in its 100th year in Toledo. The goal is for kids, teens and adults to read for 30 days.

Here are a few other library resources to help engage your kids in reading:

  • Book pick lists and newsletters, so parents can keep up with new and popular.
  • Take your kids to a fun library program. The library has thousands of programs this summer including story time, yoga, jewelry-making, and magicians.
  • Get to know your local librarian. They can help find books that match your kids’ interests.

Summer Reading Resources at the Library

Summer Read: toledolibrary.org/summer

Reading Help and Ready to Read program: toledolibrary.org/readinghelp

Storytimes: toledolibrary.org/storytimes

Library Programs for all ages: events.toledolibrary.org/events

Personalized Book and Movie Recommendations: form.jotform.com/60675288860164

Popular Articles

What’s On Our Bookshelf this July

By
Lori Orlinsky
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Books on a bookshelf.

The Big Day at Miss Tilly’s Ballet

By Tilly Abbe

It’s finally the day of Penelope’s ballet performance! But as her excitement turns into worry and nerves kick in, she wonders if she can overcome her fears and take the big stage. Written by a world-renowned ballet teacher, this sweet story shows young readers how to conquer their fears and experience the joy of achievement. Ages 3-7.

My Weird School Special: There’s a Skunk in My Bunk!

By Dan Gutman

School’s out for summer, and A.J. is finally free – or so he thought. Stuck at the sleepaway camp his parents signed him up for, how will A.J. make the best of this weird place that he and his friends deem is infested with mosquitoes, bees and other animals that break into cabins? Kids will enjoy this silly summer special edition of My Weird School. Ages 6-10.

Cattitude

By Bianca Schulze

Cats have a bad rap, and Cleo is no different – she hides rather than greets, gets into playful mischief and prefers to be alone. But above all, she has a heart of gold. A charming and accurate depiction of life with a cat, this book is the purr-fect tale of friendship and unconditional love for our feline friends. Ages 3-7.

The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Mac: The Farm Life Way

By Vickilynn O’Donnell

Explore the farm with Mr. Mac and Granny Jay Kay. From sun up to sun down, there are chores galore and animals to care for! This rhyming story makes for a fun read aloud and keeps young minds turning with lessons on colors, animals and farm life. Ages 3-7.

Beach Bummer

By Ryan T. Higgins

Fans of Bruce will relish in his latest adventure – or lack thereof – on the beach! When the mice and geese convince him to have some fun in the Soggy Hollow sun against his will, how will Bruce (who hates summer) react? Tiny readers will laugh-out-loud seeing Bruce’s grumpy reactions and mannerisms. Ages 2-5.

This collection of books was gathered by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books.

Popular Articles

Toledo Brims With Outings for Little Ones

By
Julie Pompa
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Metroparks Toledo.

There comes a time (or many times) in a parent’s life when they need to grab the kids and do something productive. Preferably educational, but also fun. Toledo has lots of options when it comes to planning some time away from home – both outside and inside activities – for even the youngest kids.

Harvard Health says it’s good to get the kids out – for exercise, becoming creative and imaginative, taking risks, socialization and (when they’re outside) sunshine and an appreciation of nature. And engage the kids when you’re out with them. According to The LEGO Foundation, games, instruction, guided play (with a prompt) and free play can make any walk at all – anywhere – a rewarding experience.

And there isn’t a need to make each time away the biggest or best ever. Time in the back yard, a walk in the neighborhood, exploring the nearest Target store all count. Try these locations for some special adventures.

Outdoor experiences

Toledo Botanical Garden, part of Metroparks Toledo, is a special place to explore its 60+ acres of grasslands, formal gardens and plant collections, and find a wide range of sculptures. Tackle the Secret Forest multi-level outdoor discovery area, or the sensory Doneghy Inclusive Garden. And visit the Artist Village for its monthly open houses to learn about making your own art.

Getting outdoors can bring a plethora of benefits, and Metroparks Toledo works hard to serve everyone, from exercise to camps and classes. Take the youngest kids along as you walk or bike their miles of trails. And nurture kids’ budding skills at a variety of camps and classes that run throughout the year, most beginning for kids at age 5 and up. For example, the Metroparks Outdoor Explorers Camp (from age 5 to 7) is a week-long adventure. Or how about archery, fishing, horseback riding or other skills in day-long programs?

An environmental oasis along the Maumee River, Perrysburg’s 577 offers play and discovery for kids of all ages, including a river walk trail, an interactive garden, nature playscape or archaeologist’s dig. In addition, classes (many for kids as young as 4 years old, along with their parents) can be a great introduction to pottery, bees and butterflies, cooking and coloring.

RELATED: Prioritize Hydration for Summer Adventures 

Head outside at the Toledo Zoo for a Stroller Safari, where both you and your child are stimulated by a walk around the grounds and fun facts about all the animals. Older kids head inside to meet the animals and learn about conservation.

Other outdoor experiences for young kiddos:

  • Pumpkin or apple farms, offering tours, you-pick opportunities and samples
  • How about a Mud Hens game
  • Parks systems in Toledo, Sylvania, Wood County and other areas

577 Foundation

Inside fun

A stroller walk through the Toledo Museum of Art is a great way to explore new and favorite works of art while changing your child’s viewpoint for a time. Entrance is always free to the museum (however, some special exhibits are ticketed). Then try the Family Center’s free, one-hour workshops that include supplies and guidance for creating works of art. Activities are daily and registration is required. Formal classes for kids begin at age 6 and run throughout the year.

Downtown’s main library branch is a beautiful place to explore, its art deco design, vast spaces and children’s mural supplying lots of inspirational views. But also check out their programs: Babytime helps to develop early literacy skills in babies up to 18 months. Preschool Learn and Play and Preschool Storytime helps kids ages 3 to 5 get ready for school through movement, crafting, playing and even STEM work. Programs for older kids are also available, here and at the library’s 20 neighborhood locations.

Learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) while you have a ball at Imagination Station! The science center is a visual delight for kids, and demonstrations and programs are exciting to witness. Take a break with a stop at their 3D theater. Plus, kids younger than kindergarten age can participate in programs, and 6-year-olds in summer camps.

Some other stops for indoor fun:

  • Stroll through the shopping mall to get some steps and see the busy retail stores
  • Local YMCA locations are a great place for preschool gymnastics (ages 1-5) or (in some centers) a swimming lesson
  • Private gymnastics centers around the area have classes for kids under 5
  • Heritage Sylvania center offers a hands-on look at the area’s history
  • Book stores are a great visual experience, and many have children’s centers
  • Let’s go see the Walleye
  • Restaurants with kids’ fun (Chuck E Cheese, Dave & Buster’s)
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