Award-winning Kids’ podcast · Ages 3+
What’s Poppin’ Penny?
Welcome, Trusted Adults! You’ve found the perfect podcast for your Brownstone Buddies.
What’s Poppin’ Penny? follows a curious preschooler who discovers a magical teddy bear tied to her family’s history. With help from her talking cat Penelepaw, Grandma Spicy, and her loving parents, Penny learns to handle big feelings and celebrate everyday adventures.
Created by an early childhood educator, this award-winning show supports social-emotional learning through joyful, screen-free storytelling—perfect for classrooms, car rides, or quiet time at home.
3+ages
Big feelings, big heart
Big feelings, big heart
Hear the audio trailer
Podcast episodes
Press play on the magic
Explore the magical world of What’s Poppin’ Penny?—where every episode brings heartwarming stories, big feelings, and important life lessons to life.
★ Goodpods chartsTop 100 Girls PodcastsTop 50 Black PodcastsTop 100 Children PodcastsTop 100 Kids PodcastsTop 100 Story Podcasts
Awards & acclaim
Voted Best Kids & Family Podcast for Ages 3+
Recognized by Common Sense Media, the Communicator Awards and the Black Podcasting Awards—and loved by families everywhere.
What’s Poppin’ Penny? is what happens when an early childhood educator bursts onto the podcast scene to grace families with content that feels sweet, inclusive, and important.Common Sense Media — 2023 Top Pick
Best Kids & Family Podcast, Ages 3+Common Sense Media · 2023
Communicator Award of ExcellenceCommunicator Awards · 2025
Communicator Award of DistinctionCommunicator Awards · 2025
Best Youth PodcastBlack Podcasting Awards · 2025
The Penny shop
Love the show? Help keep it going!
What’s Poppin’ Penny? is made with love—and without outside funding. Your purchase from our store is a BIG way to support the podcast and upcoming books. Shop now and be part of the magic!
About the creator
Child development is human development.
Toni Kennedy has an extensive background as an early childhood educator and children’s media creator, creating with one principle in mind: child development is human development. Toni has genuine respect and affinity for families and the sanctity of childhood.
Promoting early childhood literacy is a top priority for this educator. Every episode includes picture book recommendations that align with the theme for Trusted Adults to share with their Brownstone Buddy!
Backed by research
Podcasts are a learning habit kids love.
Research shows that podcasts inspire excitement, social sharing, and daily learning habits among children—with strong support from parents. Here’s what the Kids Podcast Listener Report from Edison Research found:
46%
of U.S. kids ages 6–12 have ever listened to a podcast—29% in the last month.
87%
of kid podcast listeners have shared something they learned from a podcast with others.
One in four parents of monthly kid listeners say their child listens nearly every day.
72%
of parents of monthly kid listeners agree their kids are excited to listen to podcasts.
74%
of those parents have followed a kids’ podcast on social media.
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