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The 2022 invasion of Ukraine came as a shock to much of the world - but not to certain experts, who closely watch Russia's triggers.  What does Russia seek above all else? What is its "special military operation" all about?  Find out some clues by listening to a captivating story of a baseball game - an analogy of Russia's military action in Ukraine which will help explain current events to the children in your family. With much to unpack, your family will be sure to have intriguing conversations after this episode! 

Playing a wild, hands-on game of football or singing along to well-known songs with a crowd as you watch your favorite drummer play, or gathering with family for clam bakes and bonfires as you dig your toes into the smooth sand of the New England beaches - do these things sound like what you or other young people today might do for fun?  Can you believe that they originated with the Native Americans hundreds and even thousands of years ago?  Today we get to go back in time, jumping into the early 1600’s, before any permanent English settlements had been built.  We’ll fly over the Eastern Coast of North America with a momma duck and imagine what the lives of the thriving indigenous peoples looked like; and we might just catch a glimpse of Squanto and Pocahontas when they were little!  Print out your free activity page from http://brilliant-mornings.com to use while listening to the podcast (scissors and glue will help too!). Find Ms. Stephanie and a wonderful Algonquin language story on video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac3nsmFQ2ok

The year 1600 is full of secrecy; as separatists in England begin to hold secret church meetings hiding from the Queen, that very Queen is holding secret meetings with the Ambassador of Morocco.  What will come of all this? From the tropical rainforest of the African Congo, to the great Kingdom of Benin, to present-day Morocco and England, join a migrating Cuckoo bird with a sweet tooth to discover some of the key players of this exciting time in history!   Check out our website Brilliant-mornings.com for resources that go along with this episode!We borrowed quotes from Lewes Lewknor, an English courtier, who wrote about the Moroccan Ambassador’s visit, as an eye-witness!  He described the scene of Queen Elizabeth's royal court when the Moroccan Ambassador arrived. Intro and Outro Music by Matt GrajcarThank you to Ep. Sound for the following soundtracks:Gorilla-growl-3-SBA-30011747For the Love of EnglandSummer is OverHorse Gallop Towards 1In Front of UsCaught in the WavesES_Wind Storm 5 - SFX Producer 

Follow an adventurous bird and a mysterious sailor through a life-changing trip through Korea and Japan, in the year 1600.  Understanding the world of 1600 helps explain our world today!  Visit brilliant-mornings.com for our free printables and amazing resources for your home or school! 

Explore the world of 1600 - in Asia!  We begin this episode in India, travel to China, and will continue in Korea and Japan in Part 2. A swift bird becomes entangled in a risky agreement between an Indian princess and a mysterious Portuguese sailor.  Can she escape?  Visit Brilliant-mornings.com to download line drawings for you to paint or color while listening to the episode - as well as a map and resources!  

What was happening all over the world in the year 1600? From a lush lakeside in Kenya, through Egypt, Israel, and finally Germany, follow the migration of a pair of storks as they travel north to start a family; discover the geography, cultures, and historical figures they met along the way!Please visit http://brilliant-mornings.com for maps and resources to use WHILE listening to this fascinating episode!! 

Brazil, Cuba, and Poland - our special guests came to America from these beautiful lands.  With a love for their old countries, and a joy about the opportunities they have found in the United States, their stories teach us and give hope!  We are blessed with John Kano's original music which can be found at johnkano.com.  Check him out! 

Secret meetings in Philadelphia? What did that group of five men originally write as the Declaration of Independence?  Learn important parts of this Declaration through song - they reappear throughout history, in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther Jr.'s famous speech, "I Have a Dream". Why did the colonies want to leave England? What led to the Declaration of Independence? Did the Declaration lead to the Revolutionary War? Find out today, and enjoy wonderful music as we dive into motives behind the actions in history! As always, check out the primary sources that tell us what the Founding Fathers actually said! Sources: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript https://allthatsinteresting.com/who-wrote-the-declaration-of-independence https://www.varsitytutors.com/earlyamerica/freedom-documents/asked-jefferson-write-first-draft-declaration-independence https://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/massacre.html https://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/sense6.htm

Three teams of fathers and their children race the clock to set up their very own inventions on Mt. Washington!  Inspired by father-child teams from history, they create devices to help hikers!  We are celebrating fathers and father-figures this week in honor of Father's Day! Let Doc Susie Anderson inspire you - she  saved patients' limbs and climbed mountains of snow as an amazing midwest doctor:  https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/digital-colorado/colorado-histories/20th-century/susan-anderson-mountain-doctor/What did Alexander Graham Bell do? Here's a short video: https://www.britannica.com/video/180119/Overview-invention-telephone-focus-work-Alexander-GrahamA father and son tinker together to make the first passenger trains in England: https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/george-stephenson-and-the-development-of-the-railwayExtension activities: 1. Fathers/parents what skills do you have that you can pass on to your children?  Can you use those skills to help others?  Share your ideas with me on the Brilliant Mornings Instagram!2. Design an invention which will help others!  Draw it!  If possible, try to build one. =) Share your ideas with me on the Brilliant Mornings Instagram!

This Juneteenth, celebrate the inspiring woman Henrietta Wood, whose story was lost to descendants for over one hundred years.  We follow her dangerous and convoluted journey to freedom and learn how her endurance leads to victory!  CHALLENGE: FOR THOSE YOUNGER LISTENTERS, CAN YOU JUMP EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THE WORDS "FREE" OR "FREEDOM"? CHALLENGE: FOR ALL WHO COUNT...HOW MANY TIMES IS THE WORD "FREE" MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE? ANSWER @BRILLIANTMORNINGS ON INSTAGRAM FOR A POSSIBLE PRIZE! Episode Poem: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" from Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? Copyright © 1983 by Maya Angelou. Used by permission of Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. (Special permission granted for educators teaching through audio during 2020-September 2021.)Our dynamic cast includes individuals who inspire the world on a daily basis!  Discover them below:Amber O’Neal Johnston (consultant and barbecue host) is a home educator, speaker, writer and consultant who inspires families around the world with her own journey in creating an inclusive, culturally-rich home education using the Charlotte Mason philosophy.  She can be found on at Heritagemom.com, or on Instagram @heritagemomblog where she shares her wisdom, encouragement, and a vast collection of resources.  We are so very grateful to Ms. Amber for her wisdom and participation in today’s episode! Celebrated actress Mina Thomas (true words of Henrietta Wood; Maya Angelou's poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings")  currently graces the stage of Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, MO, where she has most recently played the role of Mary Magdalene in the show Jesus. While you plan your trip to the theater, view a recent interview here: https://www.facebook.com/sightsoundtheatresbranson/videos/932053714292274Damion Sanders, (Barbecue host) a gun violence survivor, lives to help the hurting heal & change worlds with words. His core belief is that freed people should free people. Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionbsanders/Randy Mason, a husband, dad and hip-hop artist has a heart for the next generations.  Find his music and more information here: https://linktr.ee/randymasonmusicFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randymasonmusic/Sharon Chang, our narrator, recently made headlines as the first Black female partner in William Morris Endeavor's history! Check out her story here: https://variety.com/list_item/sharon-chang/ She has also brought her talent and passion for music as worship director to Pascack Bible Church for 30 years! (Thank you, Mrs. Chang, for being my first singing teacher!)Our cast also includes Timmy L., Micah I., and Bella I. Special Mention to our editors and consultants:1. Erika Alicea https://www.instagram.com/cmcityliving/2. Shaun McClin3. David Chang4. Natasha Sanchez  Primary sources are priceless. Please check out these life-changing stories I found during the in-depth research stage of preparing for this episode:1. Henrietta Wood's story, in her own words! http://wcaleb.rice.edu/omeka/collections/show/92. Stories of former slaves in the Oklahoma/Texas region (in their own words): http://lcweb2.loc.gov/mss/m

Happy Mother's Day!  Listeners call in to talk about their mothers and we discover the mothers behind some of the world's most influential people!  Don't miss this celebration of mothers and share it with a friend today! For further reading:https://store.lamplighter.net/mobile/mothers-of-famous-men-p1410.aspxSources:https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ortiz-de-dominguez-josefa-c-1768-1829

Grace, Josiah, and their entire group of friends from America stood speechless, watching a battle between French and Mexican soldiers unfold before their very eyes.  They had traveled to Mexico to experience a holiday called Cinco de Mayo and had met a friendly girl named Ashley who gave tours with her family.  Along the way, discover the identify of the hiding boy, the best Mexican meals, and what "Yo soy..." means!  Join us as we discover Spanish phrases, Mexican foods, and  stories from Mexico's history! The stories today center around the idea that even a lump of slimy clay can become a beautiful valued possession!  Persevere and and you'll have beauty and victory in life! Highlights for further study:Benito Juarez, Mexican PresidentPuebla, city in MexicoTelavera potteryMexican cuisine (tacos, tostadas, chalupas, tlayuda tostadas, sope, flautas, tamales, and much more!)*Challenge Question* at the end of the episode!!  Place your guess on the Brilliant Mornings Instagram, or Brilliantmornings@gmail.com and you may receive a reward!!!

A blissful spring nature walk, an Easter egg hunt, and a fall down a dangerous cliff - today the Poetry Kids group stays in Ireland and follows a poem's clues which guide them in finding the joys, sorrows, and meaning of the season!  Their Irish friends, Erin and Mr. O'Sullivan, join the children for an unforgettable adventure!  Follow along with our poem here:Helen Steiner Rice Easter Reflections With OUR EYES we see The beauty of Easter as the earth awakens once more... With OUR EARS we hear The birds sing sweetly to tell us Spring again is here... With OUR HANDS we pick the golden daffodils and the fragrant hyacinths... But only with OUR HEARTS can we feel the MIRACLE of GOD'S LOVE which redeems all men... And only with OUR SOUL can we make our 'pilgrimage to God' and inherit His Easter Gift of ETERNAL LIFE. Extension Activities:1. Go on a nature walk! (Bring your nature journal...) Draw and paint the birds and flowers that you observe, native to your region!  Identify the colors of the parts of the birds (throat, breast, nape, crown, etc.) Also, count the petals on the flowers and find out if they followed the Fibonacci sequence. If you post on Instagram, tag @BrilliantMornings so that we can enjoy the beauty you have found! 2.  To discover more about the Fibonacci sequence, listen to "Tuesday - Finding Fibonacci" Season 1, Episode 7!3. For a look at  symbolism and analogies on the spiritual aspect of Easter, read Isaiah 53 in scripture (in the Old Testament)...can you find the lamb in this passage? 4. Have you subscribed to Brilliant Mornings? Do you follow the Instagram account @BrilliantMornings?  Please be sure you do both so we can stay connected to you! You are always welcome to ask questions and contribute! Many of our listeners have been featured on our episodes, simply because they reached out, gave reviews, and contacted us! 

 “No!” Claire’s voice was firm. “In this letter," and here she shook the ancient-looking document high over her head, “My great-grandfather gave his cousins possession of his farm in Ireland for the next 90 years; then, he writes that the cousins must give it back to his children IF the children claim it by Saint Patrick’s Day of the 91st year. We’re in the 91st-first year and St. Patrick’s day is almost here!”  Join Claire, her family and friends on an unforgettable trip through Ireland as they experience its poetry, folk music, and stories of potato famine and St. Patrick.   Edward Lear's limericks you will hear in this episode: There was a Young Lady whose nose,     Was so long that it reached to her toes;     So she hired an Old Lady,     Whose conduct was steady,     To carry that wonderful nose. There was an Old Man with a beard,     Who said, "It is just as I feared! -     Two Owls and a Hen,     Four Larks and a Wren,     Have all built their nests in my beard!"There was an Old Man of Kilkenny,     Who never had more than a penny;     He spent all that money,     In onions and honey,     That wayward Old Man of Kilkenny. Take Me BackPoem by Heidi IllianOh God, I am a captive in slavery Would you please bring me back to my family I’m taking care of all these sheep, you see, But I want to fulfill my destiny God I realize I’ve been selfish too Hurt other people; didn’t follow you Been a slave to sin and humanity  But you’ve set me free and I’m in your family   I love you now, more with every day,  Body in chains, soul no longer astray, And now you say there’s a ship on it’s way, My escape is here and I don’t have to stay.  You’ll take me back, you’ll take me back,  I’m going home cause you’re taking me back. “I’ve seen a vision in my liberty, The Irish are begging and calling me Danger waits around every turn But I must return for Christianity.”  I’m going back to Ireland… I can’t stay silent Though they may get violent   I’m going back, God took me back, so there’s no turning back.  Read St. Patrick's Autobiography Here: https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english# Irish Blessing:May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Opening Music: Lindsey Addonizio, and Sarah and Chris Buteux 

Celebrate love in languages from around the world as we learn about this holiday and the deeper meanings of love! Which types will we hear about in our messages to loved ones - storge, phileo, eros, or agape?Sources:1. The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis2. https://www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentine

Join a tree-chopping experience to learn about how Abraham Lincoln grew up! Although he received little formal education, his upbringing and childhood experiences taught him honesty, perseverance, and a hunger for knowledge and truth. Today we will learn: A first introduction to logic  Euclid’s influence on Lincoln’s systematic reasoning The responsibilities of a lawyer (Interview) An overview of Abraham Lincoln’s Life Famous quotes by Abraham Lincoln  A Gettysburg Address song! How will you celebrate the ideas of freedom and truth on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday this year? Check out this book on Abraham Lincoln:  https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Lincoln-Ingri-dAulaire/dp/1893103234 Special Extension Activities:  1. Based on your children’s developmental levels, discuss the following quotes:  “In the course of my law reading I constantly came upon the word “demonstrate”. I thought at first that I understood its meaning, but soon became satisfied that I did not. I said to myself, What do I do when I demonstrate more than when I reason or prove? How does demonstration differ from any other proof? I consulted Webster’s Dictionary. They told of ‘certain proof,’ ‘proof beyond the possibility of doubt’; but I could form no idea of what sort of proof that was. I thought a great many things were proved beyond the possibility of doubt, without recourse to any such extraordinary process of reasoning as I understood demonstration to be. I consulted all the dictionaries and books of reference I could find, but with no better results. You might as well have defined blue to a blind man. At last I said,- Lincoln, you never can make a lawyer if you do not understand what demonstrate means; and I left my situation in Springfield, went home to my father’s house, and stayed there till I could give any proposition in the six books of Euclid at sight. I then found out what demonstrate means, and went back to my law studies.” — Abraham Lincoln (c.1863)  “If A can prove, however conclusively, that he may, of right, enslave B — why may not B snatch the same argument, and prove equally, that he may enslave A?– You say A is white, and B is black. It is color, then; the lighter, having the right to enslave the darker? Take care. By this rule, you are to be slave to the first man you meet, with a fairer skin than your own. You do not mean color exactly?–You mean the whites are intellectually the superiors of the blacks, and, therefore have the right to enslave them? Take care again. By this rule, you are to be slave to the first man you meet, with an intellect superior to your own. But, say you, it is a question of interest; and, if you can make it your interest, you have the right to enslave another. Very well. And if he can make it his interest, he has the right to enslave you.” (https://www.nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/slavery.htm) 2. Math Activities:  Ages 3-6 - Draw several types of triangles on your board of choice and count their angles and sides.  Draw some triangles with matching angles and side lengths and point that out! Ages 7-10+ - Draw triangles with various colorful markers. Use a protractor to find their angles! Add the angles in a triangle and discuss how they will always have a sum of 180.  The study of geometry leads to the stu

"True courage takes sacrifice,” said Grace, after hearing the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on a scavenger hunt through Washington, D.C.  Will the children decide to use courage in their own lives to help others?Today, we join "B" -  a young girl living in Montgomery, Alabama in the 1950's - to experience how her life changed when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a bus boycott in her city!  What impact did Dr. King have on the Civil Rights Movement in the United States? Be sure to enjoy the art by Jesse Wright when you follow @brilliantmornings on Instagram and DM us if you'd like the free activity sheets that go along with this lesson! Connecting Episodes:Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  His father changed both of their names to Martin Luther after a visit to Germany, when he learned about the reformer Martin Luther. Listen to the podcast on Martin Luther ("Butterfly Life Cycles Part 3 and Rebirth with Martin Luther") for more background on this world-changer!

'Twas the night before Christmas....what surprises are in store for children across town as they await this special holiday? Extension activities: “A Visit from St Nicholas” BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE (portions of the poem) were read today.  Focus on the vivid descriptions of St. Nicholas (or Santa Claus). Write a poem with imagery that describes someone interesting!   2.   Listen to the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by      Phillips Brooks (1835-1893).   Draw or paint your own scene of the manger! 3.  The following scriptures were read in this episode from the Bible:  Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) Isaiah 9:2,6 (NIV) Micah 5:2 (ICB) Talk about why the themes of “bread” and “light” might be important in the Christmas story!  4. Research the Norse  traditions of Yule and listen to our previous episode on Leif Erikson and the Vikings!  5. Listen to the “Thanksgiving” episode for a story about the Pilgrims! (One of the reasons they left England had to do with not wanting to celebrate Christmas!)  Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/a-visit-from-st-nicholas https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas

Grab your candles, donuts and latkes and join a Jewish family celebrate this ancient Feast of Lights!  Throughout the evening, you will learn that your family can make a difference in the world if everyone works together! What was dedicated during the story of Hanukkah? How did Judah fight for what he thought was right? Materials:Dreidels, chocolate coins - play along with the characters in the story!Suggestions: Make Latkes (potato pancakes) and eat them along with applesauce! Literature Extension: Read the Poem "The Feast of Lights" by Emma Lazarus (author of "The New Colossus" which is written on the State of Liberty's pedestal).  What does each line mean? Look at it as a riddle and put that thinking cap on!Kindle the taper like the steadfast star Ablaze on evening's forehead o'er the earth, And add each night a lustre till afar An eightfold splendor shine above thy hearth. Clash, Israel, the cymbals, touch the lyre, Blow the brass trumpet and the harsh-tongued horn; Chant psalms of victory till the heart takes fire, The Maccabean spirit leap new-born. Remember how from wintry dawn till night, Such songs were sung in Zion, when again On the high altar flamed the sacred light, And, purified from every Syrian stain, The foam-white walls with golden shields were hung, With crowns and silken spoils, and at the shrine, Stood, midst their conqueror-tribe, five chieftains sprung From one heroic stock, one seed divine. Five branches grown from Mattathias' stem, The Blessed John, the Keen-Eyed Jonathan, Simon the fair, the Burst-of Spring, the Gem, Eleazar, Help of-God; o'er all his clan Judas the Lion-Prince, the Avenging Rod, Towered in warrior-beauty, uncrowned king, Armed with the breastplate and the sword of God, Whose praise is: "He received the perishing." They who had camped within the mountain-pass, Couched on the rock, and tented neath the sky, Who saw from Mizpah's heights the tangled grass Choke the wide Temple-courts, the altar lie Disfigured and polluted--who had flung Their faces on the stones, and mourned aloud And rent their garments, wailing with one tongue, Crushed as a wind-swept bed of reeds is bowed, Even they by one voice fired, one heart of flame, Though broken reeds, had risen, and were men, They rushed upon the spoiler and o'ercame, Each arm for freedom had the strength of ten. Now is their mourning into dancing turned, Their sackcloth doffed for garments of delight, Week-long the festive torches shall be burned, Music and revelry wed day with night. Still ours the dance, the feast, the glorious Psalm, The mystic lights of emblem, and the Word. Where is our Judas?  Where our five-branched palm? Where are the lion-warriors of the Lord? Clash, Israel, the cymbals, touch the lyre, Sound the brass trumpet and the harsh-tongued horn, Chant hymns of victory till the heart take fire, The Maccabean spirit leap new-born!

Hear the moving Thanksgiving story as it is intertwined with Squanto's life journey!  Write the following words on a board to cross off when you hear them in the story!pumpkin piecrispy turkeyMayflowerbarley eelOceanussixty-six HollanddebateplaguebetrayFor younger children, find pictures of the following items to  color when you hear them in the story (please email brilliantmornings@gmail.com for links to these resources already created): pumpkin piecrispy turkeychurchMayflowerbarley eelsixty-sixking Primary sources were carefully studied to find information for this podcast.  We strive for accuracy and welcome any comments. The following resources were used:1. Of 'Plimoth Plantation': http://www.gutenberg.org/files/24950/24950-h/24950-h.htm, accessed 11/24/202. Kirkhneely.com3. https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/mayflower-compactHistorical Accuracy Notes:1. The words of Governor William Bradford come directly from his diaries, Of Plimoth Plantation.2. The stories of a youth falling into the ocean and a birth taking place aboard the Mayflower are true.3. The thoughts and conversations of Tisquantum have been creatively constructed by this author, since there is no written account of them available.  4. It seems that some historians only mention one trip which Tisquantum took to Spain and then England.  However, there is a record of a trip which occurred before this, and it is outlined in this episode. (Kirkhneely.com)5. The years in Plymouth after the mostly peaceful existence during which this episode takes place were followed by many conflicts, including King Philip's War (1675-78).  Many Native Americans view Thanksgiving Day as a Day of Mourning based on subsequent events, during which Native American tribes were hurt, betrayed, and even destroyed.