Finnegan's Finn-tastics

About Finnegan's Finn-tastics

Finnegan's Finn-tastics is a fun, family-friendly podcast that sparks curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young listeners. Hosted by a kid (with a little help from a parent), each episode dives into a fascinating topic with an inspiring guest - making learning fun for all ages!

Publisher

Finnegan

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 May 2024

Latest episode

18 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Sept 2026

   Robot Battles, Buckets of Doom, and Waterslide Designs with CrunchLabs' Bam Singhasaneh!

   Episode 15 is here – and it's PACKED with robot smackdowns, ingenious toy-building, engineering wisdom, and wacky waterslides. In this epic episode, I'm chatting with engineering powerhouse Natha "Bam" Singhasaneh - CrunchLabs Toy Engineer, BattleBots Competitor, and All-Round Champion of Creativity and Learning. We dive into: Bam's process for creating toys for kids that make engineering fun How Nightlight, Bam's three-pound beetleweight robot, absorbed more than 40 hits – and still won! Behind-the-scenes CrunchLabs antics like the "Bucket of Doom" and the unforgettable "gold card-versus-shredder" incident What it's like to beat Mark Rober in all sorts of engineering challenges Using the Engineering Design Process to create a wacky waterslide Best of all, Bam shares five field-tested habits of great engineers including: Ask the right question. Before building, decide what your design truly needs to accomplish. Be open to lots of ideas at the start. Generate lots of ideas - the wilder, the better - then test the strongest ones against your constraints. Prototype. A tiny model – even with glue and paper straws – can reveal problems before a big build becomes costly to fix. Fail early. Learn fast. Failure is necessary step to creating awesome things: expect it, study it, and then use it to make the next version better. Build with people who welcome questions, mistakes, and bold ideas. The best ideas come in environments where people can be themselves, aren't afraid to speak up, and encourage others to do the same. About Bam Natha "Bam" Singhasaneh is a Toy Engineer at CrunchLabs, where she creates toys that help kids and adults think like an engineer. She holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a master's degree from MIT's Integrated Design & Management program. Beyond toy design, Bam is builds and drives with BattleBots Team Valkyrie. In short: Bam is an engineer, educator, maker and self-described "interdisciplinary creative" who knows that big learning often begins with play. You can learn more about Bam on her Instagram, LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nsinghas), Website (https://www.bamiium.com/), or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@bam-misc). Press play for robot chaos, design wisdom, behind-the-scenes shenanigans and plenty of Finn-tastic laughs!

2. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Inside a Brain Lab with Dr. Jeff Coull: Helmets, Happiness, and WOW!

   In this episode of Finnegan's Finn-tastics, we visit Dr. Jeff Coull - a real-life brain expert and the CEO of Grey Matter Neurosciences! This was our very first in-person, on-location recording, and it was seriously cool. We got to explore a real science lab full of researchers, scientists, engineers, designers, and software developers. We saw 3D printers, robots, and amazing tech in action. We asked tons of questions and showed incredible self-control by not pressing any of the buttons in front of us! In this episode, Dr. Coull tells us about: How he became a neuroscientist and an entrepreneur Amazing brain facts and how our brains work A special helmet he and his team are designing that could help people feel happier How teams work together to build something awesome (spoiler: it takes teamwork!) What it takes to create a real technology company Check out the links below to learn more about Dr. Coull (linkedin.com/in/jeffreycoull?originalSubdomain=ca) and Grey Matter Neurosciences (https://greymatterneurosciences.com/). Take a listen - you're going to love this brainy adventure!

3. 

   5 Mar 2026

   Bananas on Skis!?! A ski-tastic conversation with Coach Tim.

   In this super‑awesome, snow‑blasting episode of Finnegan's Finn‑tastics, Finnegan and his co‑host William chat with Coach Tim – their legendary racing coach from Beaver Valley! Listen in as they discuss: ❄️ Why skiing fast is basically the best thing ever 🎿The good, the bad and the silly of ski-coaching 🤖 Why Mark Rober robot hack packs that fire Nerf bullets are the best 🍌 Why bananas make excellent ski patrollers (hint: they keep their eyes peeled) 🍁 Who the Crazy Cannucks are 🧨 What 9-year olds love best about skiing (hint: the faster the better) Plus Finnegan drops two amazing skier jokes. Coach Tim pretends not to groan. This episode is basically: skiing + speed + snacks + silliness = Finn‑tastic. ❄️ Best Moments William's top Hack Pack pick: The robot that shoots Nerf bullets (obviously). Coach Tim's "happy place": Empty chairlifts + great snow + music in his earbuds. What's hard about skiing? When your wax is slow and you feel like a turtle. What's hard about coaching? Keeping 9‑year‑olds from going full bullet mode. Favorite animal of a skier? …a Slalomander. 🐊⛷️ Why kids crash? Because they're trying hard, being brave, and learning fast. 🎿 What You'll Learn (for Real!) Why skiing is fun for beginners and super‑experienced racers That even Olympic skiers wipe out sometimes How to be a better racer: ⭐ Start strong ⭐ Turn early ⭐ Use your outside ski ⭐ Be aggressive (in a safe, not‑run‑over‑your‑coach kind of way)

4. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Can you turn a cello to a violin? And other fun musical questions with Amanda Keesmaat, professional cellist!

   In this incredible episode, Finnegan welcomes his cello-playing friend Brianna as a co-host. Together, they interview the super-talented, super-fun, professional cellist - Amanda Keesmaat! Listen in as they explore: 🎻 What a professional musician actually does Amanda explains what it means to be a professional musician - she plays cello in orchestras, makes videos, records music, travels for concerts, does admin work, and practices… a LOT! 🎒 How Amanda became a professional cellist She began cello at age 4 - after stealing her brother's violin! From there years of practices, studying, and building relationships led her to stages across the world! 🎤 Performing on stage Even the very best musicians - like Amanda - get nervous and make mistakes. The trick: keep going! Playing for others can feel amazing. 🎼 How orchestras work Did you know musicians get their music WAYYYY in advance of their shows? Its up to them to perfect their pieces before they come together to practice, practice, practice. No showing up last minute and not prepared. 💿 How a music CD gets made It takes months to make a CD.  Musicians pick music, rehearse, record for days, edit tracks, add artwork to produce amazing sountracks. 🎧 Video game music Amanda (and her husband Sean!) have performed for the Assassin's Creed video games. Yes - real instruments and voices are behind those cool game soundtracks! 💡 Amanda's Advice for Kids Practice every day - you always get out what you put in! Music is everywhere: TV, movies, commercials, games. So keep learning- there are so many fun music jobs out there! 🎉 Favourite Moments Brianna calling the cello a "zello" when she first started Listening to Amanda play an amazing piece of music! Amanda describing trying to play her cello with a violin bow (spoiler: it did NOT work) Realizing Amanda is neighbours with a famous children's author! Stay tuned for the next Finnegan's Finn-tastics adventure! 🎧✨

5. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Secrets to Being An Amazing Student (and a few Homework Shenanigans): An interview with our School Principal.

   Get ready, because this week's episode is EXTRA special. My amazing co‑host Louise and I sit down with someone who keeps our school running smoothly… our very own principal, Monsieur Ferrand! 🏫 We hear funny stories about when he was a kid, hear him sing!, learn what it takes to be a great student, climb into the lost & found, and hilarious homework excuses!😄 ---- 🎉 What's Inside This Episode? 👋 A warm Finntastics welcome We kick things off with giggles, chit‑chat, and - of course - a joke or two. 👉 How do you make 7 an even number? You'll have to listen to hear the punchline! 🧒 What was Monsieur Ferrand like in Grade 4? Was he a perfect student? Did he forget homework? Was he good at recess games? Turns out… he loved marbles, tag, soccer, AND he had to work extra hard at math! 📚 The truth about homework Want to know a principal's most creative "my homework is missing" excuses? Let's just say… some stories include ski hills and stolen backpacks. 😂 Want to know a principal's most creative "my homework is missing" excuses? Let's just say… some stories include ski hills and stolen backpacks. 🛠️ Secrets to being a great student Hint: you don't have to KNOW everything Sweet school moments Find out which sweet story from a Grade 5 student still makes him smile today - and what his dog Bella Ciao has to do with it! 🐶💛 ⚽ Why moving your body helps your brain Monsieur Ferrand shares why being active isn't just fun - it makes you a BETTER learner. ⭐ Why You'll Love This Episode It's packed with: jokes 🤣 real stories ✨ AND a peek into what principals are really like 👀

6. 

   16 Jan 2026

   Rockets, Gravity, and Moo‑n‑sized Cow‑culations — Space Fun with Rocket Scientist Jehan Dastoor

   3… 2… 1… BLAST OFF! Strap in for another space‑tacular espisode as Finnegan chats with Jehan Dastoor — a real, actual ROCKET SCIENTIST! 🚀🤩 In this episode, Jehan and Finnegan explore ALL kinds of amazing things, like: 🐄 How far space is… measured in COWS! Why use kilometers when you can ask, "How many cows away is the Moon?" 🗺️ Where Singapore is and how it's different from Canada Singapore = tiny island, sunny, always warm. Canada = huge, snowy, chilly enough to turn your eyelashes into icicles. 🧠 How Jehan became a rocket scientist Staying curious, asking big questions, working hard. 🔥 What heat shields are and why rocket ships need them Rockets get SUPER HOT when they race back to Earth, so heat shields protect them. 🌌 All sorts of wild space facts! Including the mind‑blowing one that…astronauts actually GROW in space! Strap in — this episode is ready for a moo‑n landing! 🌕🐄✨

7. 

   17 Oct 2025

   Breaking News! Kembali, the orangutan, escapes from habitat! A Wild Chat with Grant Furniss, Director of Wildlife Care at the Toronto Zoo

   Grab your safari hat! In this week's episode, we’re going on a wild adventure with Grant Furniss, Director of Wildlife Care at the Toronto Zoo! 🐾Listen in to hear: Why zoos are more than just places to see animals - they’re hubs for conservation, education, and research. How the Toronto Zoo keeps its animals happy and healthy. The hilarious story of Kembali, the orangutan who made a daring escape from his new adventure park - and how donuts and popcorn helped bring him back! What a Bettong is (hint: it’s adorable and plays a big role in its ecosystem). What a hippo's favourite music is. Whether you're an animal lover, a curious mind, or just in need of a feel-good story, this episode is packed with fun and learning. Discover more about the incredible work happening at the Toronto Zoo (https://www.torontozoo.com/) Hope you like it!

8. 

   26 Sept 2025

   Chasing Big Dreams: Swimming with Canadian Olympian Brittany MacLean

   Today's episode of Finnegan's Finn-tastics is AWESOME! My friend Armaan and I got to interview the inspiring Brittany MacLean! She’s: A 2-time Olympian A bronze medal winner in the 4x200m relay at the Olympics (SO COOL!) 🥉 The holder of many of Canadian swimming records - including the 1,500m freestyle, which she STILL holds! The host of the Ready Room podcast (you should totally check it out here) We talked about: How to chase BIG dreams 💭 What it takes to make it to the Olympics 🏅 What to do when things get tough Why peanut butter and bananas are the snack of champions 🍌🥜 AND… we got to meet her dog, Burleigh. She’s SO cute! 🐶 🎧 Listen in - this episode is packed with fun and inspiration!

9. 

   9 Jul 2025

   How to get a towel out of a boa constrictor (seriously!!) with Allie & Nicolas

   On this episode of Finnegan's Finn-tastics we talk about two topics: being a vet and doing triathlons. Allie, our emergency veternarian will share her thoughts on: What it takes to become a vet The hardest and best parts of being a vet are? A funny story involving a boa constrictor and a towel? And, Nicolas and Allie who are great triathaletes will also discuss: What a triathalon is Why they are great How to get started Hope you like this episode! xox Finnegan

10. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Ready for a pup? The good, bad, and the fluffy of dog ownership with Michelle and Barkley (woof!)

    Have you ever wanted to have a pet? This is the episode for you! We talk to my friend Michelle and her dog Barkeley about dog ownership. How to pick one? What's great about them? What's challenging? (hint: it is gross!) Can you make them smarter? Hope you like this episode! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo FINNEGAN

11. 

    2 May 2025

    How to be an entrepreneur with Marcus & Peter

    Have you ever wanted to run your own business? Not sure how to get started? Well, this episode is for you! Listen in as we explore all things entrepreneurial with Marcus and Peter: What is an entrepreneur? What makes a good business idea? How to turn an idea into a business? What is great about running your own business? What's challenging? You can learn more about Peter and his companies through his LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jumanok/) and his company website. You can also contact him here. Hope you like this episode!! PS. Have an idea for a future episode of Finnegan's Finn-tastics? I'd love to hear it!! Send me a note at: hellofinnegan@finneganfinntastics.com.

12. 

    27 Mar 2025

    All About Architecture with Alexis and Eloise

    Have you ever wondered how the beautiful buildings around us are designed and built? On today's episode you can learn how! Join me as I chat about all things architecture with my friend Eloise and her mom, Alexis. Together, we explore: What architecuture is How great buildings are designed and built How to become an architecture What's great and what can be challenging as an architect Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode where Ellie and I share some funny jokes too! Hope you like this episode.

13. 

    28 Feb 2025

    The Hat Monster with Trisha Keesmaat

    Today we get to chat with my finn-tastic Aunt Trisha and the author of a wonderful book called "The Hat Monster". Listen in as Trisha tells us how her book started as a small idea, how she relied on a team of people to make it awesome, and how hard things are worth doing. Even better, hear her read her delightful story!

14. 

    30 May 2024

    The Fun of Being Upside Down!

    Do you love being upside down? If so, you'll love this episode of Finnegan's Finn-tastics where Finnegan chats with Jessica Tudos - Canadian Olympic Gymnast, Author, and Inspirational Speaker. Jessica shares: What it takes to be an Olympian Why trying lots of different things matters How the things you love most are not always easy (and how to get through it) Why she believes anything is possible Jessica reads her adorable book "Kika the Upside-Down Girl!" Be inspired by Kika, a little girl who loves being upside down and who discovers gymnastics to bring her special gifts to the world. Spoiler alert: you'll find out the secret identify of Kika! You can find out more about Jessica Tudos, her story, here book, and speaking engagements at Jessica Tudos. You can also purchase her book on Amazon and Indigo. Thanks for listening!

15. 

    13 May 2024

    Meet Talina, the Finn-tastic Author of "You Taught Me!"

    Welcome to the first ever episode of Finnegan's Finn-tastics where we explore all sorts of things that we know kids will LOVE! We are excited to have Talina - on our first ever podcast! Talina published her first book, "You Taught Me" when she was only 17 years old! She wrote her book after spending time volunteering at Holland Bloorview, a children's rehabilitation hospital. The children she worked with taught her so much about life that she wanted to share her learnings. Talina talks about why she wrote the book, how she wrote the book, and what she learned along the way. The best part - she reads her book live! You will be inspired and believe that you too can do anything. If you want to buy her book you can find it at Frisen Press, Indigo and Amazon. PS. Listen to our bloopers at the end! They are the best.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

25

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Finnegan's Finn-tastics

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.