New podcast delivers ASMR and meditation for toddlers and parents

For many of us, meditation and mindfulness are practices we pick up later in life. We often seek them in response to our busy, over-stimulating, screen-filled lifestyles. They can help us learn to relax, wind down, become more aware of our surroundings, and regulate our emotions.

But imagine if we encouraged the benefits of these practices from an earlier age. Kozie Moles, aims to do just that, subtly introducing children to meditation, mindfulness, journaling, visualisation and breathwork, all modelled through fun storytelling.

Written, produced and directed by John Mackey, Kozie Moles is a brand new podcast and radio show aimed at 3-6 year-olds. Each episode follows Sam, Nana, Dad and Cubby as they settle in somewhere new and make it their home. Whether it's a sheltered corner of a breezy forest, a fishing boat on a stormy night, or a busy cowshed, life with the Kozie Moles is always peaceful, calming and slow.

Although each location is new and exciting, the Kozie Moles always follow a familiar routine. This involves finding a safe space to set up camp, absorbing the world around them, cooking a delicious meal and reflecting on their day. Mindfulness techniques help the Kozie Moles to feel at home no matter where they are.

When confronted with a new location they breathe together, listen intently to the world around them and reflect on what they hear. As listeners follow along, they too are immersed in the beautiful soundscape of each location. They are transported to an old oak forest as rain falls gently on thick canopies. They breathe in tandem with rolling waves as a fishing boat rocks back and forth. In a busy city they use their imagination to visualise the world around them. As the moles feel calmer, so does the listener.

Next the Kozie Moles cook a delicious mole friendly recipe (Wormagetti Wormanese being Sam’s personal favourite!). Beautifully detailed music and sound design by Dublin-based studio Folding Waves elicits an ASMR-like audio delight.

Listeners hear the sounds of Dad chopping and grating or Nana mixing ingredients in a wooden bowl. Sam and Cubby play shadow puppets on a nearby wall as a pan of water gently warms above a crackling fire.

At the end of each episode our main character Sam, reflects on her day through her journal. It's a familiar routine which gives us an insight into the Kozie Moles day to day activities while also giving us suggestions for crafts and journal entries of our own. Sam’s journal is a treasure trove of memories, stories, found objects, doodles and notes.

A visit with the Kozie family provides a sensory palate cleanser for young listeners. It's a safe, intimate space where they can relax with familiar characters. Detailed sound design, beautiful voice acting and gentle music elicit a feeling of warmth and safety, encouraging little listeners to relax mindfully. Let’s all unwind together.

You can listen to Kozie Moles here.