Molly of Denali
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this podcast.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Molly of Denali is the podcast prequel to the Peabody Award-winning animated TV series of the same name. It follows Alaska Native Molly Mabray as she goes on adventures and solves problems with her friends and family in their fictional Alaskan town of Qyah. Themes of compassion, perseverance, and teamwork are part of each episode, as Molly and her friends and family must often work together to solve a mystery, overcome an obstacle, or help others in need. The show is an example of kids' media mirroring diverse life experience in an authentic way, as all Indigenous characters are voiced by Indigenous actors. It's also the first nationally distributed kids' show in the United States to feature a Native American lead. Much care was put into the authenticity of the show, from the script to character design and all the way down to the show's catchy theme song: A team of Alaska Native advisers was brought in to all areas of the production process to inform ways to approach the show's creation. Episodes each season build upon one another, so it's good to start from the first episode in a season to get context. Both kids and adults are likely to find this podcast engaging and insightful.
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What’s It About?
In MOLLY OF DENALI, Molly Mabray solves mysteries with her friends -- like a missing necklace on a train, or a stolen birthday cake -- all while helping her family run a trading post in Alaska. Through family rivalries, big competition, chores, and learning to work under pressure, Molly learns how to be a good friend and navigate hard situations. But she doesn't do it alone. A cast of supportive friends and family face adventures armed with wisdom passed down through the ages, from their Alaska Native heritage. The podcast teaches about being a good sport and learning to be organized, and celebrates multiple heritages in a family as well as a community. Molly solves mysteries over multiple episodes, and the fictional Alaskan town of Qyah, near Denali, grows richer and more textured as the episodes go on. Episodes each season build upon one another, so it's good to start from the first episode in a season to get context.
Is It Any Good?
A beautiful example of authentic diversity and inclusion in kids' media, this show is a fun, playful, and engaging look into Alaska Native culture and tradition. With care put into every production detail of Molly of Denali -- from the all-Indigenous cast voicing Indigenous characters to the all-too-catchy theme song with music from Gwich'in fiddler Brennan Firth and vocals by members of the Yupik Alaska Native band Pamyua -- this immersive audio experience doesn't miss a beat.
The major theme of teamwork running through each episode helps kids understand what it means to work together and define their "village" to feel supported and in turn support others. For fans of the TV series, this is sure to be a great screen-free complement to the show. Even adults will find themselves listening to one more episode.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different languages and cultures within Molly of Denali. What languages do you speak at home? What stories have been passed down in your family?
How do the characters show what it means to be a good friend? What does it mean to be a good friend to you? How do you think you're a good friend to others?
Teamwork is a major theme throughout the show. Based on how the characters work together, what do you think the saying "it takes a village" means? Who do you consider part of your "village"? How do you all work to support one another?
How do the characters in the show model perseverance and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
Podcast Details
- Release date: May 30, 2019
- Genre: Kids & Family
- Average Run Time: 11 minutes
- Website: https://pbskids.org/molly/podcast
- Host: N/A
- Publishers: WGBH Radio, Gen-Z Media, PBS Kids, PRX
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Adventures, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Last updated: July 19, 2022
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