Public media organization PRX today announced a podcast streaming partnership with Sensical, a relatively new free streaming service from Common Sense Networks. Sensical debuted in June of last year, and launched its podcast slate in December. It’s not an exclusive arrangement; the PRX shows now featured on Sensical continue to be distributed in the RSS ecosystem.
Trustworthiness in kid safety seems to be at the heart of this alliance — Sensical offers age-appropriate, short form video and audio for kids ages 2-10. It’s a critically acclaimed streaming service, inspired by the work of Common Sense Media, and exceeds industry standards by filtering 100% of its content through a rigorous, proprietary IP and rubric grounded in science and based on the most comprehensive child development research available.
“We’re fortunate to distribute podcasts from audio creators who are the best at what they do. This includes producers of trusted, engaging stories and entertainment for kids,” said Jason Saldanha, Chief of Business Development and Content at PRX. “We’re always excited to expand the reach of our programming, so are excited to partner now with Sensical and Common Sense Networks.”
Eric Berger, Common Sense Networks’ CEO, added: “Our alliance with PRX underscores Sensical’s mandate to meet the moment with meaningful audio experiences for kids 2-10. PRX’s content is the perfect fit for our service as we build a curated podcast library that explores new voices and new worlds, encourages positive messages, and teaches subjects like STEM, social studies, and music in a fun and engaging way.”
The press announcement includes detail of five PRX poddcasts included in the distribution:
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“Molly of Denali” (PBS KIDS, GBH Kids, and PRX)––Meet Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl growing up with her parents, family, and friends. Join Molly and the gang and discover what life is like for a typical kid on big adventures in Alaska. The “Molly of Denali” podcast is a companion to the Peabody Award-winning GBH Kids animated television series of the same title. The production involves Alaska Native voices in all aspects of the production.
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“Pinkalicious & Peteriffic” (PBS KIDS, GBH Kids, and PRX)––Join Pinkalicious and her little brother Peter as they sing along to their favorite songs from the hit PBS KIDS and GBH Kids show, “Pinkalicious & Peterrific.” Each episode embarks on pinkcredible adventures – dancing, singing, and making believe with the pinka-tastic sister and brother podcast hosts, Pinkalicious and Peter. The series is based on the bestselling picture book “Pinkalicious” by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann.
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“Live from Mount Olympus” (Onassis USA and TRAX from PRX)––Combining the talent of contemporary theater with the power of Greek myths, “Live from Mount Olympus” is an acclaimed audio adventure for all ages. Season 1 follows the story of Perseus, who makes a rash promise to save his mother from the clutches of an evil king before striking out on a dangerous quest. Created by Peabody Award-winning show-runner Julie Burstein, “Live from Mount Olympus” is co-directed by Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin (“Hadestown”) and Zhailon Levingston (“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”), and features the Brooklyn-based theater ensemble The TEAM, including Broadway icon André De Shields. A 2022 Kidscreen Awards nominee, a new season of the podcast launches this spring.
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“Timestorm” (Cocotazo Media and TRAX from PRX)––In this time-travel fiction podcast series, the Ventura twins are yanked into another dimension where they meet a distant cousin who gives them an extraordinary mission: travel through time to witness their culture’s true history. Alexa and Beni visit three continents across the span of five centuries, meeting people who have left their mark on Puerto Rican heritage. In the 21st century, the twins navigate school, friendship, and family while keeping their time-traveling quest a secret. The show was recently recognized in the inaugural Anthem Awards, honoring mission-driven work worldwide.
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“The Genius Generation” (TRAX from PRX)––Did you know a 17 year old created the coronavirus tracking website? That advancements in Parkinson’s disease detection, micro plastic detecting robots, and a lead water detecting system were also invented by young people? “The Genius Generation” features innovative kids, tweens, and teens who run their own businesses, made a new discovery, or invented something new using science. A new season launches this spring.