We Belong & Bonus Belonging Interview
In this episode four kids (Providence, River, Valencia, and Yonatan) discuss what it means to belong — and how to grow feelings of belonging. The kids and Todd then go on an imaginary journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where they meet with a Qook-a-lacka named Quinnie (played by Alexis Michelle), who needs help figuring out how to help the Link-a-doos, who are coming to the Land as refugees after a big storm destroyed their island. The original song, “Just as You Are!” is written and performed by composer and educator Benjamin Weiner. Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.
We also shared a bonus episode about belonging: an interview with hip-hop great Darryl DMC McDaniels, a founder of Run DMC, award winning artist, and author of a recent children’s book about his “belonging journey” as a elementary school student in Queens, NY.
Guest Star: Alexis Michelle
Alexis Michelle / Alex Michaels is an actor and musician in New York City. Alexis was most recently seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 (Paramount) finishing in the top 4! Other recent performances: True Colors (PBS), One Voice: Broadway (PBS), Blue Bloods (CBS), Dragnificent! and Drag Me Down the Aisle (TLC). Alexis was cast on Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1), and after triumphant turns as Kris Jenner and Liza Minelli, made it all the way to Top 5! In addition to performing her cabarets at Joe’s Pub, 54 Below and Club Cumming in NYC you can find her singing, lip-syncing and dancing all over the world.
Training: LaGuardia H.S. for the performing arts, Interlochen center for the arts and B.F.A. University of Michigan in Musical Theatre. You can keep up with Alexis on her Facebook artist page, as well as TikTok and Instagram @AlexisMichelleOfficial
Bonus Interview: Darryl McDaniels
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is an an American rapper and founding member of Run DMC. In addition to winning many awards and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2009), Darryl recently wrote a children’s book, “Darryl’s Dream” (2022) about his experience as a third grader, embracing his creativity and confidence and finding his voice. It’s all about the topic of belonging!
Original Song: Just As You Are
“Just as You Are” is an original song composed and performed by Benjamin Weiner for the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. It debuts in the episode “We Belong,” in which three kids talk about the big idea of “belonging” — being who you are and being accepted and embraced for who you are.
Educator Resources
In the educator resources, you’ll find two fun activities to continue helping your children learn about “belonging” after listening to the episode.
- Create a Declaration of Belonging
- Play the We Belong game