What if joy isn't the reward for learning, but the lesson itself?
In this episode, Matt sits down with Allie Rivera Quiñonez, better known to millions of families as Ms. Appleberry from CoComelon's "The Melon Patch," alongside her sister, Nicole Rivera, Moonbug Media's Senior Creative Executive, for a conversation about children's media, creativity, family, and the big responsibility of helping shape little minds.


Together, they explore how children learn through music, movement, play, imagination, and occasionally making adults sing songs they swore they'd never have memorized.  As The Melon Patch continues to reach families through YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney +, Allie & Nicole share the intentional approach behind creating content that teaches confidence, connection, curiosity, and emotional growth.  Their shared vision has helped bring meaningful educational experiences to children around the world.


Of course, Matt couldn't pass up the opportunity to discuss one of his favorite topics: puppets.  From beloved childhood characters to today's educational storytellers, they explore why felt, foam, and a little imagination can sometimes teach lessons that stick with us for a lifetime.


Whether you're a parent, educator, creator, or someone who still gets excited when a puppet enters the scene, this conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful learning often starts with wonder.  Join us as we go there.

What if joy isn't the reward for learning, but the lesson itself? In this episode, Matt sits down with Allie Rivera Qui&ntilde;onez, better known to millions of families as Ms. Appleberry from CoComelon's "The Melon Patch," alongside her sister, Nicole Rivera, Moonbug Media's Senior Creative Executive, for a conversation about children's media, creativity, family, and the big responsibility of helping shape little minds.
 Together, they explore how children learn through music, movement, play, imagination, and occasionally making adults sing songs they swore they'd never have memorized. &nbsp;As The Melon Patch continues to reach families through YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney +, Allie &amp; Nicole share the intentional approach behind creating content that teaches confidence, connection, curiosity, and emotional growth. &nbsp;Their shared vision has helped bring meaningful educational experiences to children around the world.
 Of course, Matt couldn't pass up the opportunity to discuss one of his favorite topics: puppets. &nbsp;From beloved childhood characters to today's educational storytellers, they explore why felt, foam, and a little imagination can sometimes teach lessons that stick with us for a lifetime.
 Whether you're a parent, educator, creator, or someone who still gets excited when a puppet enters the scene, this conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful learning often starts with wonder. &nbsp;Join us as we go there.

Each episode, we're joined by a unique panel of guests, as we unpack all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so much more. All the topics you're not allowed to bring up at a dinner party are dropped right back on the table.

Each episode, we're joined by a unique panel of guests, as we unpack all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so much more. All the topics you're not allowed to bring up at a dinner party are dropped right back on the table.

Going There: Taboo Topics Are Back on the Table

Our hosts Matt, LeJon and Jo talk to guests about all the issues that keep us divided: politics, religion, sex, money, race, and so on. The topics you can't bring up at a dinner party are dropped back on the table.