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March 26, 2025 13 mins

Welcome to How To Build A Universe, where stories build worlds!

In this episode, we're diving into the ocean to visit Harmony Reef, a breathtaking underwater garden bursting with colourful coral. Venture through the schools of beautiful fish with host Thom Lion to meet Echo The Whale, Spark the Anglerfish and Cora the Clam for the the "Sea Symphony" Parade! 

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Thom Lion and Gen Muir

Executive Producer: Courtney Ammenhauser

Writing, Sound Design and Songs: Thom Lion

"Echo" The Whale: Tom Bourne

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
You're listening to a MoMA Mia podcast.

Speaker 2 (00:13):
Mama Mia acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters
that this podcast is recorded on. Hello to all our
little builders and their grown ups. Welcome to how to
Build a Universe, where stories Build worlds. I'm Jenuer. I'm
a parent, educator and mom de four boys, and my

(00:34):
co host is well, hang on, my co host is
all dripping wet.

Speaker 1 (00:38):
Tom, Why are you SACHERA? Yeah, I'm sopping wet.

Speaker 3 (00:41):
Hello there, Jen, pardon my part whose I was just
having a swimming race with some seahorses, but I accidentally
got stuck in my wet suit. I'm still trying to
pull it down. Can you just yank this bit off me?

Speaker 1 (00:53):
All right? All right, hold on, let me try that hurt.

Speaker 3 (00:58):
But now I'm already actually speaking of underwater friends. I'm
so excited about today's episode because we're all going on
an incredible underwater adventure together. Yep, We're diving deep beneath
the waves where some amazing sea creatures are waiting to
meet us. So grab your imaginary snorkel and flippers because

(01:18):
this is going to be one splashing good time.

Speaker 2 (01:22):
This is exciting. I'll keep some seaweed sandwiches ready for
when you surf.

Speaker 1 (01:26):
Thank you.

Speaker 2 (01:26):
You know what's absolutely amazing about the underwater worlds. Every
single creature down there is completely unique, and that's what
makes the ocean so wonderful. We've got round, puffy puffer
fish swimming next to big, long, stretchy eels, and they're
all perfect, exactly as they are. We want our kids
to be kind and compassionate. We want our kids to
be inclusive to all people. We also want our kids

(01:47):
to be happy and accepting of their own appearance. One
of the ways to help kids accept difference in themselves
and others is to make conversations about difference a part
of daily life. Play is a beautiful way to explore this,
and I think today's episode is a lovely building ground
to develop an ongoing conversation about difference. Fish are incredible
creatures with complex mental, emotional, and behavioralb blis. We can

(02:10):
talk about the unique colors and shapes of fish. Next
time we're faced with a question from our inquisitive preschooler
about why that person looks different, we can use the
metaphor of the ocean to help explain differences in humans.

Speaker 1 (02:22):
Okay, now, take in a deep breath.

Speaker 3 (02:24):
Let's fill those lungs up with air because we're about
to dive under in.

Speaker 1 (02:30):
And out. I'll see you right after this. Here we go,
A hoy there, a little sea adventurer.

Speaker 3 (02:47):
Sorry, for some reason, I put on a pirate voice
when I'm near water.

Speaker 1 (02:50):
Let's try that again. A hoy there, my little adventurer.

Speaker 3 (02:55):
Today we're going on a mystical journey under the sea.
Are you ready to explore the amazing underwater world?

Speaker 1 (03:04):
Great? Right now, we're standing on a boat, but.

Speaker 3 (03:09):
We're about to enter part of the ocean known as
Harmony Reef. It's home to sea creatures of all shapes
and sizes, so who knows.

Speaker 1 (03:19):
We could meet a turtle.

Speaker 3 (03:20):
Down there, or even a shark who we'll see part First,
let's practice our underwater swimming.

Speaker 1 (03:29):
Reach both your arms right out in front of you, kind.

Speaker 3 (03:32):
Of like you're trying to fly home on Reaching your
hands out, then pull them.

Speaker 1 (03:38):
Through the water to help you glide. That's it. Let's
go once more for good measure.

Speaker 3 (03:44):
I know my body can feel a bit tight if
I don't warm up.

Speaker 1 (03:47):
Properly, I'd say, mum or Dad's does too? Again? Reach
your arms out. That's it and push the water aside.
Well done.

Speaker 3 (03:59):
Now can you make a glog glob glob sound like
we're making bubbles.

Speaker 1 (04:04):
Let's give it a go. I'll do it with you.
Hang on, blah blah blah.

Speaker 3 (04:10):
Can you try it with me? Mom and dad, you
two give me your best bubbles? Okay, good bubbles.

Speaker 1 (04:20):
I think we're ready. Let's dive in. I'll count us
in together. Front. Three. Here we go, three two one jump.

Speaker 3 (04:40):
Alrighty, we're underwater and lucky. With your scuba mask on,
you can breathe down here.

Speaker 1 (04:47):
Look around, my little diver. Isn't this beautiful?

Speaker 3 (04:51):
Oh my, look at this magnificent coral reef.

Speaker 1 (04:55):
It's like an underwater rainbow.

Speaker 3 (04:58):
These corals are purple, yellow, blue, and even orange, soft
and squishy. Put your hand out to touch the coral
as we swim past.

Speaker 1 (05:10):
That's it. Have a feel of the squishy coral.

Speaker 3 (05:15):
The fish here are amazing too, just like us. Every
fish is unique and special in their own way.

Speaker 1 (05:26):
Wait, do you hear that? Let's lean in a bit.
Do you hear that beautiful sound?

Speaker 3 (05:33):
Let's swim over and see who's making that marvelous music. Oh,
look over there, it's Cora the wise old clam. She's
polishing her musical shells. Let's say hello, wave to Cora.

Speaker 1 (05:50):
Everyone.

Speaker 4 (05:51):
Oh, hello there, my little ones. What are delights to
have visitors today?

Speaker 1 (05:57):
Of all days, I'm just preparing my shells for the
under What a parade? Oh?

Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yes, the Sea Symphony Parade, Just the most wonderful celebration
under the sea. Once a year, all the sea creatures
come together to create beautiful music and colorful displays.

Speaker 1 (06:19):
Cora, can we join in? Of course, my DearS.

Speaker 4 (06:23):
In fact, I need some help gathering all my performer friends,
and I'm having a bit of a problem. My music
just doesn't feel right without my special bass Drumshell, it's
what gives our symphony that deep rumbling sound.

Speaker 1 (06:40):
It's like the ocean's heartbeat, isn't it?

Speaker 3 (06:42):
Cora?

Speaker 1 (06:43):
What does this sound like? Boom boom, boom boom, just
like that?

Speaker 4 (06:49):
Wow, Cora, I was sure I left it right here,
but now it's nowhere to be found. Would you keep
an ear out for it as we swim deeper to
gather the other performers.

Speaker 1 (07:01):
It would make all the difference for our parade. What
do you say, my little friend? Shall we help? Cora?
Find her bass drumshell to get this party started. Let's
do it. Thank you Cora.

Speaker 3 (07:17):
Okay, friends, let's swim deeper into the ocean. Let's kicking
behind you. Try not to kick mumble dad machines though.

Speaker 1 (07:27):
Let's give it a go. That's it, excellent kicking, and
we're on our way. Oh here's something else. Can you
hear that?

Speaker 3 (07:44):
Wow? We look ahead. It's Echo the blogal whale. Let's
get his attention. Can you make it sound like a whale.
I've got a pretty good grasp.

Speaker 1 (07:54):
On whale language, so i'll go first.

Speaker 3 (07:57):
Yeah, all right, let's hear your whale now. Okay, I
think he understood.

Speaker 1 (08:13):
Hellos, small friends, Welcome to my rehearsal space.

Speaker 3 (08:22):
Hello Echo, we're helping Cora gather everyone for the Symphony
of the Sea parade.

Speaker 1 (08:27):
Oh, the parade. I've been practicing my sin. Echo. That
was stunning.

Speaker 3 (08:39):
Your voice feels like a big, warm hug from the ocean.
Will you join us at Cora soon for the parade? Oh?

Speaker 1 (08:47):
I'm so excited. I'll be right bed. Thanks Echo.

Speaker 3 (08:56):
Let's keep swimming, friends. This time we gotta go a
little deeper. Can you swim with me like you're a
fish gliding along, gliding down into the dark ocean.

Speaker 1 (09:07):
I'm not scared.

Speaker 3 (09:10):
Getting cold down here. Give yourself a big hunk to
stay warm. Oh look, there's a tiny light glowing in
the darkness. It Spark the angler fish. She may be small,
but her light is bright and mighty.

Speaker 5 (09:30):
Now, hello, Spark, Hello explorers. Don't be afraid of the dark.
That's where my light shines brightest.

Speaker 1 (09:37):
That's so important, Spark. I couldn't see a thing down
here until your light bobbed up.

Speaker 3 (09:42):
Now, Spark, we're gathering friends for the Sea Symphony parade.

Speaker 1 (09:46):
Would you be interested?

Speaker 5 (09:47):
Oh, perfect timing. I'm practicing my parade route. I'll be
leading everyone through the darker parts of the ocean. My
light helps others find their.

Speaker 1 (09:56):
Way, and we're grateful for that.

Speaker 5 (09:58):
Everyone has their special gift. I may be small, but
my light makes a big difference.

Speaker 1 (10:04):
That's right.

Speaker 3 (10:05):
Will you meet us at Cora's parade. We're actually scheduled
on very so I.

Speaker 1 (10:10):
Wouldn't miss it.

Speaker 5 (10:11):
I'll bring my brightest glow.

Speaker 1 (10:14):
Great, Spark. What a wonderful collection of underwater creatures we have.

Speaker 3 (10:21):
I can see some puffer fish warm, some dolphins too,
And if I'm not mistaken. That's Cora's bass. You hear
it just in time for the parade to begin.

Speaker 1 (10:34):
Are you ready? Echo, spark you good?

Speaker 5 (10:38):
I'm ready.

Speaker 1 (10:39):
Okay, hit it, Cora, Here we go. What season?

Speaker 6 (10:45):
That's another song we like to play down here, Okay,
take two.

Speaker 1 (10:57):
The sea. I feel so good and so some some
can right, that's me.

Speaker 4 (11:20):
We can't together in harm for the under.

Speaker 3 (11:26):
Sing Funny were friends and you can be down.

Speaker 1 (11:41):
I feel so good, and so you're singing very quickly,
you know.

Speaker 3 (11:51):
I loved how all the animals in our underwater parade
today came together like a big orchestra. In an orchestra,
each instrument is different in its shape and size, is
shiny or coarse, and they all make different sounds. But
when they joined together, well, that music is just magic,
and it's a bit like us humans. We all have

(12:11):
different voices, but when we join together in harmony, that's
when we really make waves.

Speaker 2 (12:17):
I love today's story, Tom, and I loved the idea
of using that metaphor of the ocean to really explain
different fishing creatures. I loved how all the fish had
different ability is and different roles to play as we
explored under the sea. Parents can even use this metaphor
next time your child notices difference in others or themselves,
just light the fish under the ocean. We are all different.

(12:37):
Being different is really actually our superpower. Whether you're as
spotty as an octopus, as smooth as a dolphin, or
as squiggly as a cqucumber, you're absolutely amazing just the
way you are.

Speaker 1 (12:48):
Yep. Time to dry yourselves off now and head to
the shore. But oh boy, do.

Speaker 3 (12:53):
I have something wild to tell you about Next week.
We're swapping our flippers for hiking boots because we're heading
into the jungle. There might be a few surprises in
their hiding behind the jungle leaves as well.

Speaker 2 (13:05):
I can't wait until then. Remember, stories build universes.

Speaker 3 (13:10):
And your imagination is always ready for an adventure.

Speaker 1 (13:13):
See you next time, builders.

Speaker 2 (13:14):
Bye.

Speaker 3 (13:20):
The executive producer of How to Build a Universe is
Courtney Amenhauser, who also played Spark the Fish. The voice
of Cora is Jessica Bravewait and Echo the Whale was
played by Tiana and Isaac's Daddy, with story writing and
sound designed by me Tom Lyon. Thanks for listening to
today's episode of How to Build a universe.

Speaker 1 (13:39):
We'd love to know what you thought of it.

Speaker 3 (13:42):
You can fill out our survey and go in the
running to win one thousand dollars.

Speaker 1 (13:46):
There's a link in the show notes
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