Faithfully Explore!

In this week’s adventure, Laura invites Explorers on a journey to Japan to meet Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess. According to ancient chronicles, Amaterasu is revered as the goddess of the sun and the universe. Legends tell how she once hid herself inside the Heavenly Rock Cave after a quarrel, plunging the world into darkness. The gods devised a joyful plan to coax her out by hanging jewels and...

What makes a community feel like one big family? In this episode of Faithfully Explore! we travel to a lively African village marketplace to discover the meaning of Ubuntu. A beautiful philosophy from the Zulu and Xhosa languages that means “ I am because we are .” Laura guides children and families through stories, games, and imagination exercises that bring Ubuntu to life. Kids will hear how a g...

Bravery comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s standing tall, sometimes it’s believing in yourself when no one else does. In this special shorter episode of Faithfully Explore!, Laura shares a traditional Mi’kmaq story from Prince Edward Island, The Legend of Little Scarface . Kids and families will not only hear this powerful tale of kindness and courage but will also get moving with three different...

Hi friends. It’s Laura, your guide here at Faithfully Explore! I wanted to share something personal with you. My husband, Dave, recently passed away after a long illness. He was my best friend, my biggest supporter, and a quiet part of every episode we’ve made together. Because of this, Faithfully Explore! will be taking a short two-week pause. I’ll be using this time to rest, be with family, and...

Pack your imagination and curiosity, today’s adventure takes us to the colorful markets and serene temples of India, where we set out on a treasure hunt for ten sparkling jewels of the heart. These treasures aren’t gold or gems, but the ten supreme virtues celebrated during the Jain festival of Das Lakshana . Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, rooted in the powerful idea of ahimsa: no...

What would you build if you wanted to leave something that lasted for more than a thousand years? A spaceship? A castle? How about… a university? In this inspiring episode of Faithfully Explore! , we travel back to 9th-century Fez, Morocco, to meet Fatima al-Fihri a Muslim woman whose vision and generosity helped create Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest continually operating university. Through st...

Long ago, in ancient Persia, a boy named Zoroaster saw a world full of fighting and unfairnessand dared to imagine something better. He dreamed of a life guided by truth, kindness, and courage. In this episode of Faithfully Explore! , Laura introduces young listeners to Zoroaster and the religion that grew from his ideas: Zoroastrianism . Through storytelling, guided imagination, games, and a true...

Welcome explorers! Join Laura on Faithfully Explore! as we set off on an extraordinary adventure to uncover how different cultures around the world answer one of life's biggest questions: How did the world begin? What's Inside This Episode: Genesis Creation Story: Discover the story from the Bible, where creation unfolds orderly over six days, concluding with a day of rest. Learn how this story en...

Pack your curiosity caps and grab your imaginary wagons because this week on Faithfully Explore! , we're journeying west across plains, rivers, and rugged mountains on the Trail of Belief . In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Laura, your trail guide and storyteller, walks us through the incredible history of the Latter-day Saint pioneers, who braved hardship and hope to build a new life of fai...

What is karma, really? Is it just about good deeds and bad luck or is there something deeper going on? In this adventure-filled episode of Faithfully Explore! , Laura guides kids and families on a joyful, thoughtful journey into the idea of karma across multiple faiths and cultures. From Hinduism’s cosmic point system to Jainism’s sticky soul stains, Buddhism’s kind intentions to Sikhism’s balance...

Join Laura for a splashy, globe-trotting adventure in “Living Waters: Baptism Across the Christian World.” From Greek origins to Jesus’s own river baptism, we explore how Christians everywhere use water as a symbol of washing away mistakes and starting fresh. In This Episode What Is Baptism? Discover how the word “baptizo” means “to immerse,” why water symbolizes new life, and how Jesus’s own bapt...

Kia ora, Faithful Explorers! In this sparkling episode, your adventure guide Laura takes you on a magical journey across the night sky, discovering how stars guide, inspire, and connect cultures worldwide. Gather around our imaginary campfire under a blanket of stars, and let's explore together! Episode Highlights: Meet Matariki: Discover how Māori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand celebrate the...

Episode Overview In this week’s adventure, Laura opens the door to a big question: “If someone doesn’t believe in heaven, God, or religious rules, what helps them decide to be a good person?” Join us as we wander through our imaginary library of beliefs, pull down the Humanism shelf, and discover how kindness, curiosity, courage, and fairness can come straight from withinmno creed required. We’ll...

Pack your imagination and join Laura on Faithfully Explore! as we journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj—the sacred pilgrimage that millions of Muslims embark on each year. 🌍 In This Episode You’ll Discover: What is Hajj? Learn why Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the significance behind it, and why millions gather from around the globe for this special journey. Exploring Meaningful Ri...

Welcome to Ancient China! Join host Laura as we embark on an exciting exploration to meet Confucius, an influential teacher and thinker whose ideas of kindness, respect, and learning have guided generations for over 2,500 years. In this Episode: 🗺️ Travel Back in Time: Discover who Confucius was, where he lived, and why his teachings still matter today. 🗣️ Learn Mandarin: Say hello (nǐ hǎo), teach...

In this warm and joyful episode of Faithfully Explore! , we pull up a chair to the Shabbat table and discover one of Judaism’s most beloved traditions. Laura guides young listeners through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Shabbat—from glowing candles and braided challah to blessings, rest, and togetherness. Families will learn what Shabbat means, why Jewish people celebrate it weekly, and how re...

Listening Hearts: Discovering the Power of Prayer Length: ~33 minutes Audience: Kids ages 5–12 and their grown-ups 🧡 Episode Summary: How do people pray around the world—and what even is prayer? In this sound-rich, heart-centered episode, Laura helps kids explore the many ways people talk, listen, move, and reflect through prayer. From singing and stillness to movement and memory games, children...

Episode Summary In this peaceful and playful episode of Faithfully Explore! , we celebrate Vesak , the most important Buddhist holiday. Laura guides young listeners through the story of the Buddha, from his life as a curious prince to his moment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Kids and families will learn what Buddhists believe, explore Vesak celebrations across the globe, and reflect on ki...

In this inspiring episode of Faithfully Explore, host Laura takes listeners on a journey through the life of Fauja Singh, an incredible hero who proves that no dream has an age limit. Born in 1911 in Punjab, India, Fauja overcame a frail childhood to become a world-renowned marathon runner, even starting his running career at the age of 89. The episode delves into his life achievements, struggles,...

In this episode of Faithfully Explore!, host Laura delves into the rich tapestry of the Baháʼí Faith, discussing its core beliefs of unity, kindness, and education. Listeners learn about the Baháʼí celebration of Riḍván, a 12-day festival marking significant events in the faith's history. Through a heartwarming story about a girl named Maya, Laura illustrates the Baháʼí principles of inclusivity a...

In this fun and enchanting episode, we take a magical journey across the red earth of Australia to explore the ancient beliefs of Aboriginal people. We meet incredible creatures like the mythical Rainbow Serpent, listen to talking animals, and collect special 'belief stones' filled with wisdom. We walk barefoot, feel the warm ground, and hear the sounds of nature all around us. We learn about the...

In this introductory episode of Faithfully Explore, Laura welcomes listeners to embark on a journey of exploring the world’s diverse belief systems. She explains what a belief is and discusses the importance of understanding different beliefs to build strong, respectful relationships. Through various engaging stories and thought exercises, Laura highlights how beliefs shape our lives and how we ca...