GBH Kids, a Boston-based public media producer of GBH’s award-winning children’s programming, has partnered with PBS Kids and PRX to launch a new podcast series, “Keyshawn Solves It”. The podcast premiered on May 29, featuring a 10-year-old African-American boy on a mission to discover what has happened to the missing bikes in his Minneapolis neighbourhood ahead of his community’s Juneteenth celebration.
“Keyshawn Solves It” is the latest audio series from GBH Kids, producers of the award-winning PBS KIDS series Arthur and Molly of Denali. The public media powerhouse has a strong history of producing podcasts for kids, including “The Creeping Hour,” “Pinkalicious & Peterrific,” “Molly of Denali,” and “The Arthur Podcast.”.
Sharing about the launch, Executive Producer and Creative Director of GBH Kids, Dorothea Gillim, said:
GBH Kids is dedicated to telling stories that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of our young audiences and their caregivers. “Keyshawn Solves It” uses the power of audio storytelling to engage kids in a compelling mystery while celebrating Juneteenth, its origins, and important lessons about courage, responsibility, and resilience.
“Keyshawn Solves It” is created by Ed Jenkins, creator of Lalo’s Lunchbox, a series of short videos. Jenkins also serves as co-executive producer along with Dorothea Gillim. Keyshawn’s story is told from his perspective, beginning when he receives a set of old keys that he uses to help solve the mystery of disappearing bikes in his neighbourhood. With help from his friend Kiki, Keyshawn must solve the mystery quickly so the Juneteenth bike parade can continue.
In addition to learning about Juneteenth and the holiday’s origins, listeners will benefit from hearing how Keyshawn acquires essential life lessons that are “keys to success,” such as follow-through, self-worth, and being neighbourly, keys everyone can use to unlock good in their lives and in their community.
GBH Kids also works closely with PBS LearningMedia, providing digital curricula for over 2 million teachers across all 50 states. The platform is committed to equity and access to educational media and the healthy development of all children. As the inventor of closed captioning and audio description, GBH is dedicated to making media accessible and inclusive.
Ed Jenkins added:
The podcast story is set during the week leading up to Juneteenth so that the listeners can better understand this historical day in African American history. This podcast invites families to reflect on what Juneteenth means to them and their communities through Keyshawn’s story.
As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS Kids helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through television, digital media, and community-based programs, the company wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models and explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. PBS Kids and local stations nationwide support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children’s learning anytime and anywhere.
Geared toward children 5-9, “Keyshawn Solves It” is produced by GBH Kids and distributed by PRX and PBS Kids with additional funding made possible in part by Black Public Media. The podcast will include eight episodes and will be rolled out twice weekly, available on-demand across all major podcast platforms.
PRX is a non-profit public media company specializing in audio journalism and storytelling. It serves independent producers and organizations by helping them connect to their most engaged, supportive audiences. It works with TED, PBS, the Smithsonian, Futuro Media, GBH, Religion of Sports, and more.
