Familius Family: A Sneak Peek into 2024 with the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Team

In this episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy Podcast," host Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero introduces the Familius team and provides listeners with exciting insights into what to expect in 2024 from both the podcast and the Familius publishing company. The episode features various team members, including Christina from the accounting department, Carlos, the in-house designer and administrator, Brooke, the editorial director, Shae, the blog editor, and the marketing team represented by Adina, Erica, and McKay. Together in this special end-of-the-year episode they share a bit about traditions. Tune in to learn more about the Familius team and their plans for the future.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:41: A favorite episode is highlighted, featuring Devin Mevis, an educator and artist, titled "Adding Creativity to Your Daily Routine." The episode focused on how families can integrate creativity into their daily lives.
• 02:04: The concept of "process art" is discussed, which encourages children to engage in art without specific instructions, instead exploring and creating with available materials.
• 03:24: Emily Liebel's concept of "Micro Adventures" is highlighted. These are simple, nature-based activities with a specific goal, often prepared by reading related literature and involving games or projects.
• 04:46: Another favorite episode discussed is "From Summer Freedom to School Screens," focusing on the increasing integration of screens and technology in education. The episode addressed the challenges and opportunities this shift presents for parents and children.
• 07:26: Paul Mandelstein's book, "World's Best Dad During and After Divorce," is mentioned, emphasizing its focus on helping fathers navigate post-divorce parenting.
• 08:39: A behind-the-scenes moment is shared about the process of finding illustrators for two upcoming books, "Call Your Mother" and "Robots Don't Make You Go to Bed” and the conversation shifts to the podcast's affiliation with a book publishing company.
• 10:50: Another book, "How Does Our Food Grow?" is discussed. It's a collaborative effort with the UN Organization Kitchen Connection, aimed at educating children about fruits, vegetables, and gardening.
• 11:56: A memorable moment from the book's launch in New York is shared. The impact of the book on young readers, particularly two girls who read it at the event, is highlighted, emphasizing the book's influence in fostering a mindful attitude towards our planet.
• 12:41: The podcast transitions to discussing holiday traditions. A favorite holiday tradition involving leaving out cookies and eggnog for Santa is shared, along with a unique twist of mixing eggnog with chocolate milk.
• 15:31: A tradition of celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve is shared, which is common in Hispanic or Mexican cultures. Tamales are highlighted as a favorite holiday food, along with enjoying "Die Hard" as a Christmas movie.
• 18:32: A family tradition involving multicultural food nights leading up to Christmas is shared. The speaker's family, with roots in the United Kingdom, Spain, Korea, and India, celebrates each culture through special meals and activities.
• 21:32: The conversation shifts to New Year's superstitions and traditions and a tradition of wearing certain colors on New Year's for different wishes, such as wealth or health, is shared.
• 23:56: A unique New Year's tradition of a polar plunge in the family pool at midnight is described. This test of courage also includes a reward of $10 for the person who can stay in the freezing water the longest, ensuring they don't start the new year with an empty wallet.
• 25:06: A tradition involving cheers with sparkling cider on New Year's Eve is discussed, emphasizing the importance of this ritual for good luck in the coming year.
• 29:22: The discussion continues with a playful comment on considering macarons as a meal and a Girl Scout troop leader shares her New Year's resolution to get certified for overnight camping to fulfil her troop's wish for a camping trip.
• 31:44: The conversation shifts to upcoming books for 2024. Speakers share their excitement for various titles, including "100 Words for Little Utahns," and another book about spicy food.
• 34:10: A picture book titled "The Blue Canoe" is highlighted which explores the relationship between a mother and daughter, with the mother expecting a new baby, and uses metaphorical visual storytelling to convey the mother's love.
• 35:25: Another upcoming book, "Nine Months of Wonder," a guided journal for expecting mothers, is discussed. The journal focuses on the mother's experiences during pregnancy, capturing hopes, dreams, and the support system around her.
• 37:42: "Raising Tiny Humans" is mentioned as an anticipated book, especially for parents of toddlers, offering fun and practical advice.
• 39:17: The book "Three Kings Day" is brought up, notable for being one of the first books to be released in English and Spanish simultaneously by the publisher.
• 40:09: The discussion shifts to ways of giving back to communities outside the traditional holiday season. Suggestions include donating books to libraries or organizations, participating in small acts of service, and contributing to literacy initiatives like the Imagination Library.
• 44:06: The importance of involving children in charitable activities is emphasized. Speakers encourage finding meaningful ways to give time and resources, and to involve children in these activities, such as packing bags for food pantries or resources for people in need.
• 45:48: The conversation shifts to recognizing team members for their exceptional work. Shoutouts are given to various team members for their contributions, including McKay for starting a YouTube Kids channel and being innovative in social media.
• 47:08: Ashley is acknowledged for her role as the backbone of the company, being a knowledgeable marketing leader, and for her familiarity with many platforms, authors, and writing her own books.
• 49:47: Ashley expresses gratitude for the accolades and gives a shoutout to Christina for quickly learning and efficiently handling an outdated accounting system.
• 50:58: Brooke, the editorial director, is commended for her crucial role in the book creation process, starting from the initial scripts, highlighting the long process some books undergo before publication. Recognition is also given to Shae for her excellent work with the blog and newsletter, and to Carlos for his responsiveness in providing needed files to the marketing team.

3 Key Points:

1. The podcast featured episodes emphasizing creativity in family routines, like "Adding Creativity to Your Daily Routine" by Devin Mevis, focusing on process art for children. Another episode, "From Summer Freedom to School Screens," discussed the integration of screens in education, exploring the balance between technology and learning.
2. The podcast highlighted various family traditions, including multicultural food nights, celebrating Christmas Eve, and unique New Year's customs like a polar plunge. Personal New Year's resolutions shared by the speakers included enhancing culinary skills, being less controlling, and exploring new cuisines.
3. Speakers shared their excitement for upcoming books like "The Blue Canoe" and "Nine Months of Wonder." The segment concluded with team members expressing gratitude and appreciation for each other's contributions, particularly acknowledging Ashley for her versatile role in the company and successfully managing numerous responsibilities.

Tweetable Quotes:

• "Process art encourages kids to explore and create without specific instructions, unlocking their creativity in everyday life."
• "Micro Adventures: Simple, nature-based activities with a specific goal, enhancing family bonding and connecting with nature."
• "The Blue Canoe: A picture book that beautifully explores the relationship changes between a mother and daughter when expecting a new baby, using metaphorical storytelling."
• "Giving back isn't just for the holiday season. Small acts like donating books or volunteering time can make a big difference in your community year-round."

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• Podcast Editing