10-year-old helps launch new children’s podcast SuperPod

SuperPod, a six-episode children’s audio series created by 10-year-old Malia Westheimer and her father Cody Westheimer, debuts Sept. 1 with original music and free companion resources. The Santa Barbara-made podcast centers on a young orca named Kiko and aims to help ages 2–8 explore courage, belonging and emotional skills.

Why it matters: - SuperPod is built for children ages 2–8, a group that responds well to short, repeatable audio stories. - The series pairs entertainment with social-emotional learning, including courage, empathy, patience and self-confidence. - Free companion materials expand the podcast into homes and classrooms.

What happened: - Ten-year-old Malia Westheimer is making her audio-series debut as Kiko, a young orca in SuperPod. - The six-episode family podcast launches Sept. 1, 2026. - Malia created the series with her father, composer and filmmaker Cody Westheimer. - The series was created and produced in Santa Barbara. - Episode 1 is streaming now as a sneak preview.

The details: - Each episode runs six to eight minutes. - SuperPod blends short ocean adventures, original music and immersive sound. - Malia and Cody wrote all six scripts together and built Kiko’s character together. - Cody narrates the series and voices Koba, Kiko’s father. - Malia’s mother voices Calima, Kiko’s mother. - Malia’s grandmother voices Nima, the elder in Kiko’s pod. - The season includes six episodes: The Sound of Home (“I Belong”), Kiko Tries New Things (“I Can Be Brave”), Kiko Calms Herself (“I Can Handle Big Feelings”), Kiko Makes a Friend (“Others Matter Too”), Echo Finds Her Way (“Friendship Takes Patience”) and Every Orca Has a Gift (“I Have Something Special to Offer”). - The project includes a free activity book designed by Karen Westheimer. - The package also includes free parent and teacher guides with conversation starters and age-appropriate activities. - SuperPod includes an original theme song performed by Malia and Cody, a soundtrack album and a 30-minute sleep story. - Season One will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other major podcast platforms. - Listeners can find the animated trailer and free family and classroom resources at superpodkids.com. - SuperPod also directs listeners to @superpodkids on social media.

Between the lines: - The show grew out of Malia and Cody Westheimer’s shared fascination with orcas and their family structures. - The idea developed after Cody’s short film To My 14-Year-Old Self premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival earlier this year. - Malia began asking questions about Cody’s experiences with orcas, and those conversations shaped the underwater world around Kiko. - Cody said Kiko was inspired by Malia’s curiosity, sensitivity, humor and the social-emotional milestones they have navigated together. - Malia said she wanted stories that are fun and help kids be brave, kind and confident. - The family collaboration gives the series a built-in authenticity, especially around child development and parent-child relationships.

What’s next: - SuperPod Season One becomes available Sept. 1, 2026. - Families and teachers can use the free guides and activity book alongside the episodes. - The creators are positioning the podcast as both entertainment and an early-learning tool.

The bottom line: - SuperPod turns a father-daughter creative project into a kids’ podcast designed to entertain young listeners while teaching emotional and social skills.