YouTube for Kids

Summary

Flightless Bird Podcast: "YouTube for Kids"

Host: David Farrier
Guest: Caitlyn Becker (Mika from Blippi)
Cohost: Rob
Date: August 4, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this insightful and lively episode, David Farrier—a New Zealander stranded in America—dives into the wild, lucrative, and sometimes bizarre world of American children's YouTube educators. Along with cohost Rob (a dad and American) and their guest Caitlyn Becker, known to millions of kids as "Mika" from Blippi, they explore how YouTube and streaming platforms have transformed children’s entertainment, education, and even parenting culture. The episode is peppered with personal stories, industry revelations, and candid discussions about the ethics, economics, and oddities at the heart of kids’ new media landscape.

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Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Landscape of Children’s YouTube (00:35–16:14)

• Changing Times for Parenting: Rob reflects on the explosive rise of on-demand children's content, contrasting it with scheduled, vetted TV shows from his and David’s youth (e.g., Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street).
• Three Major Players:
  • Ms. Rachel (20.5M subscribers): Interactive, speech-therapist-inspired, likened to "the Mr. Rogers of our era."
  • Blippi (27.3M subscribers): High-energy, engineering-minded, adult-acting-like-a-kid, exploring real-world places and vehicles.
  • Mika (Caitlyn’s character): Blippi’s best friend, eventually earning her own spinoff channel.
• Concerns about YouTube Algorithms: Both hosts caution about letting kids freely surf, as algorithms can lead to unsettling or mindless AI-generated content.
  • David on the risks: "If you do just let kids click along, YouTube will...take them to some...AI slop...or occasionally brings in these really unsettling elements that definitely shouldn't be for kids." (08:13)
• Business Empire: Stunning revenue and acquisition figures are cited:
  • Blippi acquired for ~$120 million, then bundled with Cocomelon and sold to Candle Media for ~$3B (15:02).

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2. Caitlyn Becker’s Story: Behind Mika (21:05–52:34)

A. Journey into Children's Media (21:28–32:32)

• Musical theatre background led Caitlyn to kids’ TV almost by accident.
• Original break: Hosting "Sunny Side Up" at 30 Rock, sharing surreal celebrity moments (e.g., being starstruck by Julie Andrews—"She took my hand and was like, 'Hi, I'm Julie.' Like, no shit." (25:52)).
• Reflection on children's TV performance: "I think where kids’ shows don't work is when you talk to a kid like they're dumb...But when you just talk to a kid like a fellow human, and they're smart and lead with empathy..." (32:47)

B. Blippi and Mika: Auditioning & Creation (34:54–48:04)

• Unexpected Audition: Caitlyn's first "Mika" screen test is struck by severe food poisoning, but producers are impressed enough to hire her nevertheless.
  • "He cracks the door open and goes, 'You don't—we know that, we want you.'" (40:20)
• Transition to "Mika" and her eventual spinoff, describing Mika as Blippi’s pragmatic, musical, crafting best friend—the "voice of reason" in contrast to Blippi’s reactive energy.
  • "Blippi just goes—she’s the type A friend." (47:25)
• Creative Frustrations: As Mika becomes a merchandising juggernaut, Caitlyn loses creative control. Execs push forced catchphrases (“Just naturally say ‘cowabunga’”—48:05), which feels artificial to her.

C. Industry Realities & Exit (49:12–61:14)

• Business vs. Art: Despite Mika dolls and Netflix placement, Caitlyn receives no IP or merchandise royalties: "Watching it get distorted...I'm still working through some things, honestly." (49:32)
• Why She Left: Burnout, disillusionment with exec miscommunication, and feeling creatively stifled—she ultimately rejects the renewal contract ("It was the biggest no ever."—51:13), even hypothetically turning down a million dollars: “I would say no, thank you.” (61:25)

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3. Representation and Recasting (54:59–58:40)

• Being Replaced: A new Mika is introduced with little sensitivity. Caitlyn raises issues of representation and colorism: "Are we expecting families to just think that all black girls look the same?...my body was reacting, not like egg sandwich way, like in a—" (57:23)
• Her efforts to help train the new Mika rebuffed: "They’re not set up for success to be like, ‘We want you to be a copy-paste version.’" (58:22)
• Advocacy for better casting practices and richer character ecosystems ("Why can't it be Blippi and friends?… not saying, ‘Oh, that's the same Mika.’"—58:43).

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4. Life as a Public Children's Figure (72:53–79:18)

• No Glamour in Kid Stardom: Caitlyn’s son is nonplussed by her fame, but parents and children regularly recognize her—sometimes leading to chaotic (and hilarious) encounters (e.g., mobbed in a ball pit: “...here comes this kid. I warned you. Two kids running into the ball pit...chucking them at me.” (77:11)).
• Constant vigilance in public, balancing being a real person and a children’s role model: "I'm very aware of how I'm behaving now...Mika can't be out there boozed on the street." (74:59, 75:02)
• Caitlyn tries to protect the character's legacy and her own boundaries, remaining gracious with fans.

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5. Wider Industry Reflections (63:19–71:19)

• Friendship Across Brands: Close with Ms. Rachel, whose bold advocacy (notably for Palestine's children) has both risked and defined her career. "She’s a badass...biggest heart in the world." (66:04)
• Content Overload & Screen Fatigue: Expressing concern over hyper-stimulating, endless-choice environments for kids. Praises PBS for consistently high-quality content.
• Parental Strategy: Balancing screen time and technology use without creating digital fearmongering.

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6. Cultural and Ethical Dilemmas (88:48–97:59)

• The Blippi Scandal: David explains that Blippi's creator once appeared in a viral “Harlem Shake” video as "Steezy Grossman," involving graphic acts. While controversial, they debate the fairness of purity expectations for public figures.
  • "It's a Jackass-style stunt...It's a really graphic, full-on video—you're not expecting it...But it's a children's entertainer." (92:13)
• Safety Cautions for Parents: David urges vigilance over what kids see and produce on YouTube, citing past investigations into kids being exploited for strangers’ fetishes via "challenge" videos. "Don't fucking let your kids make shit for YouTube unsupervised...even stuff that seems super innocent." (97:59)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the scale of kids YouTube:
  "In 2020, Moonbug acquired the Blippi brand...for $120 million. Then...bought...Cocomelon and a bunch of other kids things for an estimated $3 billion."
  —Rob (15:02)

• On children's content algorithms:
  "If you do just let kids click along, YouTube will...take them to some...AI slop...or occasionally brings in these really unsettling elements..."
  —David Farrier (08:13)

• On creative distress:
  "Watching it get distorted...I'm still working through some things, honestly..."
  —Caitlyn Becker (49:32)

• On personal values:
  "My lawyer...said, 'For fun, what would you say if they gave you a million dollars?' I said I would say, no thank you."
  —Caitlyn Becker (61:25)

• Representation issues:
  "Are we expecting families to just think that all black girls look the same...This is feeling a little racist."
  —Caitlyn Becker (57:23)

• On being constantly recognized:
  "I'm very aware of how I'm behaving now. Not like I'm some crazy lady out in New York, but...Mika can't be out there boozed on the street."
  —Caitlyn Becker (74:59, 75:02)

• Ms. Rachel's activism:
  "Her care for children doesn't stop at any border. She treats it as a professional moral extension, not partisan politics."
  —Rob (86:16)

• On parental responsibilities and internet safety:
  "Whatever you post online...someone can use that in a way you don't expect. Be careful on the Internet..."
  —David Farrier (97:59)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:35–05:53 — Introduction to the world of YouTube kids educators
• 05:53–15:41 — Explosive scale and economics of kids YouTube
• 21:05–32:32 — Caitlyn’s path to children’s media & “Sunny Side Up” days
• 34:54–48:04 — Auditioning & building Mika, creative process, working with Blippi
• 49:12–61:14 — Disillusionment, contracts, why Caitlyn left Mika
• 54:59–58:40 — Representation, recasting Mika, industry practices
• 72:53–79:18 — Public encounters, being a “mini-influencer”
• 88:48–94:54 — The Blippi controversy, purity politics
• 97:19–97:59 — Warnings about child safety on YouTube

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Tone & Style

The episode is humorous, honest, and laced with both skepticism and optimism. David is characteristically curious and gently irreverent; Caitlyn is open, self-aware, and quietly principled; Rob brings a candid parent’s viewpoint. Their banter stays accessible to people without kids but provides practical food-for-thought for parents navigating kids’ media.

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Final Takeaway

This episode artfully balances industry insight, personal lived experience, and realistic concern—shedding light on both the dazzling success stories and behind-the-scenes heartbreak of YouTube’s new children’s television. It’s a must-hear for parents, educators, or anyone baffled or amazed by the new digital childhood.

Transcript

[Caitlyn Becker]

Okay.

[Rob]

Can you tell me what your name is?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Vincent.

[Rob]

Do you know who this is?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Blipparry.

[Rob]

Do you know who this is?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Mika.

[Rob]

And which one's your favorite?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Blippery.

[Rob]

Why is Blippi your favorite?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Because he's a boy.

[Rob]

You like watching his shows?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[Rob]

Do you watch his shows a lot?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes.

[Rob]

How much?

[David Farrier]

14.

[Rob]

What about Mika? What do you know about Mika?

[Caitlyn Becker]

He has a puff.

[Rob]

What does the purse do?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Carry the things.

[Rob]

Like.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And subscribe. See you later.

[David Farrier]

I'm David Farrier, a New Zealander accidentally marooned in America, and I want to figure out what makes this country tick. Today, we're about to enter a world that I know very little about, the world of children's YouTube educators here in the United States. I don't have children in the United States or anywhere that I'm aware of, but people I know, like Rob, do have children. And I often observe these children watching various adults on YouTube who are supposedly educating them about the outside world. And today it's my turn to be educated about who these adults are, adults that are part of this giant world, this giant subculture that I know nothing about. Today we have Caitlin Becker on the couch with us, who you may know better as Mika. To be honest, I don't really know what the hell is going on here. So I'm going to learn a lot from Rob on this one, who has not one, but two children that he knows of. So grab your nearest child, but only if it's your child, because this is the children's YouTube educators episode.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Fly this Fly Less flyless bird Touchdown in America. I'm a flightless bird Touchdown in America.

[David Farrier]

Rob, that was probably, no offense to Rosabella Hayden, the cutest intro to this podcast that we've ever seen.

[Rob]

He's got a good voice.

[David Farrier]

Have you been giving him some sort of audio training to be some sort of future podcast host to take over your empire once you are deceased?

[Rob]

No. I mean, I think Calvin is probably hoping for that more than Vincent.

[David Farrier]

I feel like live shows where they're both on stage. Calvin, I don't know of his age, but he has this showmanship. Yeah, he wants. He's hard to get off the stage. Yes. Whereas Vincent is more like excited and thrilled, but deeply nervous and somewhat oblivious.

[Rob]

Like, we recorded that. He had. No. It was.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. What is going on?

[Rob]

Just playing with the mic.

[David Farrier]

It's the best. Okay. Children's educators, or whatever you want to call them, I think we'll need to talk to Mika about this, but just talk to me about this. Space a little bit. Because as I said in the intro, I, I. Every kid I know has these people they love watching on YouTube. It's a foreign world to me.

[Rob]

Well, it's an interesting evolution too, because when I was a kid, I. We didn't have YouTube and we didn't have these types of people. I think the closest thing to it was Mr. Rogers, which was not this on demand thing on YouTube, which has now they've spread to Netflix and you can get on Hulu. The. The world of it is insane. Being a newer parent in the last 10 years.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

To see the type of content that is available to children and then which ones you decide are okay for them

[David Farrier]

to watch and even how much. Are you saying how much has changed since, like, when you had kids to now, like.

[Rob]

No, no, no, no. I just mean I think this is a newer phenomenon for modern age parents.

[David Farrier]

Totally. In New Zealand, we had people like Jason Gunn, Susie Kato, who you knew as being. They're on TV, they're on a certain time during the week and kids would fall in love with them. And then I guess those are the ones that stand out for me. But I guess what you and I feel like when they're on tv, there's kind of this accepted thing where, you know, they'll be safe for kids.

[Rob]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Whereas YouTube is this uncharted territory where any adult can become a celebrity for kids. And that's kind of weird because then you've got to pass who is the right one.

[Rob]

Yeah. Well. And I think, I think we should make the distinction too. This is like small children. So equivalent for us would have been. Yeah. Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street, Teletubbies, eventually. It's not older kids because Calvin's definitely past the phase of this type of content to me. There's three huge ones.

[David Farrier]

Is it going to be a slideshow?

[Rob]

Not today. Not today. There's different buckets because you have the, like, nursery rhyme ones that Natalie and I hate.

[David Farrier]

There's one cocomelon I already kind of hate cocomelon.

[Rob]

For me, that is just. I don't know if it's AI, but it's weird visual animations to nursery rhymes that just go on a loop and

[David Farrier]

it is sort of hypnotic rubbish. Kind of.

[Rob]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

And it. And it hooks children. So, like, we very quickly were like, no, no, no, we're not. For our own sanity. We can't have this on.

[David Farrier]

That was just a vibe you got from watching it. You're just like, this doesn't feel like it's helping our Kids brain watching the scene.

[Rob]

It felt very like mindless. The visuals for it didn't. I mean maybe it is helping to educate.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

To a degree. And like stimulating their brains in a certain way.

[David Farrier]

Maybe you felt you could do better.

[Rob]

Yes. So then enter the three big ones were. Ms. Rachel Giant. Giant megalith. Ms. Rachel currently has 20.5 million YouTube subscribers.

[David Farrier]

Holy shit.

[Rob]

She is referred to the Mr. Rogers of our era. What her YouTube says Ms. Rachel uses techniques recommended by speech therapists and early childhood experts to help children learn important milestones in preschool skills. Trust Ms. Rachel to provide interactive high quality screen time. It is still very much this woman on screen talking to a child in a baby voice. But for some reason she has such a like friendly, sweet approach to it.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

That like Vinnie clicked into it right away the first time he saw it and and was like playing along with

[David Farrier]

it show so engaging with what she's wanting a kid to do.

[Rob]

And there's like an interactive piece to it. There's nursery rhyme stuff. So her top videos, baby learning part one has 2.1 billion views. Fuck baby learning.

[David Farrier]

Swear on a children's episode.

[Rob]

Baby Learning Part two, one billion views.

[David Farrier]

Wow.

[Rob]

And then Wheels on the bus and other nursery rhymes. 584 million views.

[David Farrier]

Bonkers.

[Rob]

So just this megalith.

[David Farrier]

This is also such amazing earning power off that she'll be doing well.

[Rob]

And the production of it isn't crazy. This isn't Sesame street studio with puppets and it's this woman who.

[David Farrier]

It's her in a room talking through the screen.

[Rob]

Yeah. I mean and there's some animated elements and graphics and stuff incorporated into it. But it's.

[David Farrier]

How did you come to her? Was it other parents talking about it or did it randomly pop up in your kids YouTube algorithm? Do you remember?

[Rob]

Well we. We pretty specifically don't let them just surf YouTube.

[David Farrier]

That was a secret test.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

To see if you were doing that.

[Rob]

So. No, we didn't. There wasn't just an algorithm that Calvin was on as a little kid.

[David Farrier]

Because as a deviation if you. One thing I have noticed, if you do just let kids click along, YouTube will. Even kids YouTube. There's a chance that will take them to some. Really you sort of enter this realm of AI slop which gets either just nothing just like brain mush or occasionally brings in these really unsettling elements that definitely shouldn't be for kids.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And so like YouTube. I know the one thing I know, not having kids, I've got nieces and observing other friends. Kids like never let the Algorithm just do its thing.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Cause it's gonna. It'll guarantee it'll take you to a really messed up place.

[Rob]

It gets weird. Yeah. I do remember at one point, their videos were popping up, and it was just a man unboxing toys and playing with them.

[David Farrier]

Oh. I mean, that's crack for kids. That unboxing stuff is cooked because.

[Rob]

Which. It was fine.

[David Farrier]

No, it's harmless.

[Rob]

It wasn't inappropriate.

[David Farrier]

No, it's not.

[Rob]

It's harmological. Why are you watching this? This isn't helping you.

[David Farrier]

No, I mean, unboxing is a whole other thing where it's. It's like crack for children and some adults. They do adult unboxing.

[Rob]

Well, I'll be. Let me be specific, though. It wasn't like unboxing. It. It was. I mean, it was. But it was a kids version of it where it was less about unboxing and more than about playing with the toys. But it was tied to a specific product. It was like, go buy this train set.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

And here is the world that is

[David Farrier]

like, teaching kids to be consumers from day dot, essentially. Okay.

[Rob]

All right. So then other than Ms. Rachel, you have Blippi. Do you know Blippi?

[David Farrier]

Look, I. I know the name Blippi. It has connotations that I feel like is kind of crazy. I feel like Blippi and Teletubbies in my brain are a similar place where it's just a zany world. I don't understand.

[Rob]

So Blippi has 27.3 million subscribers, which I don't know. Ms. Rachel's subscriber count, which we can get into in a little bit, may have taken a hit for how outspoken she was.

[David Farrier]

I doubt it will.

[Rob]

In my mind, Ms. Rachel was the, like, top of.

[David Farrier]

She was this.

[Rob]

But she was also geared towards smaller kids, I feel. And Blippi's kind of moving up in age range, so.

[David Farrier]

So do we, like, just. Do we like Blippi or we don't like Blippi? What's the vibe?

[Rob]

Blippi is more annoying than Ms. Rachel, I will say.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Okay.

[Rob]

Because he's. It's hard because it's a. It's a grown man acting like a kid.

[David Farrier]

Am I right in thinking he had Personas before Mr. Blippi?

[Rob]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Some of them were a bit weird. Or am I getting him confused with someone else?

[Rob]

Right. We should look into that for part the second half.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

But he also, though, is more of an engineering brain. It's not quite Mark Rober, but he clearly comes from a engineering and he's making a background.

[David Farrier]

He's making things with the kids.

[Rob]

Blippi describe. Come explore the wondrous world with everybody's best friend. Blippi. How does a recycling truck work? What does a baker do? What is the best playground around? There are so many exciting things to explore and learn. Feature kids curiosity while they learn about vehicles, animals, the natural world and so much more. So Vinnie really got into Blippi because he would do construction vehicles. That's where he, Vinnie had like knew what a backhoe loader was and I don't know, excavator, like he, he knew his vehicles because of Blippi going to a construction site and acting like a kid. Going around asking about construction vehicles.

[David Farrier]

This acting like a kid thing sounds deeply annoying to watch as an adult.

[Rob]

Yes, but I, I, there's gotta be a science to how it connects to kids watching it though. They don't want to see a grown up being inquisitive and walking over.

[David Farrier]

I have a thing with kids where I find baby talk so annoying. Just to myself. I always talk to kids and I kind of find it funny. I just talk to them like an adult. I'll just talk to like a baby or a 2 year old and just talk to them. If they're there sort of and you're rambling onto them. I just talk to them about what I've been doing in the day and I don't try and change it at all. And they often drift off, which is fine and don't really care. So I guess baby voice does engage with them more. But I actively have this thing where I don't do it and I find it kind of funny.

[Rob]

Ms. Rachel, I would say is more baby voice, but that is also I think geared to. She has videos for six month olds. Yeah, Blippi is more high energy.

[David Farrier]

He sounds like it. Does he dress up in a silly outfit?

[Rob]

Goofy laughing? Yeah. He's got a hat and glasses and a bow tie, I believe. So. His top videos. Blippi learns about jungle animals. One point billion views.

[David Farrier]

Jungle animals are cool.

[Rob]

Blippi learns at the indoor playground. 671 million views. Learn colors and numbers for children. 531 million views. So Blippi will also go visit places. He'll be out in different cities where it's like we're gonna go to this exploratorium in Anaheim or this place in Idaho. The breadth of content is kind of impressive.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, they're putting out a lot of videos, these people, more than once a week. I'm guessing.

[Rob]

Okay. And then Micah Mika comes from within the Blippi world.

[David Farrier]

The Blippiverse.

[Rob]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Okay.

[Rob]

Micah is one of Blippi's friends.

[David Farrier]

Okay.

[Rob]

That sometimes joins him on these adventures. And then it spun off into its own thing as well.

[David Farrier]

Right. So she got so popular on Blippi show that she got her own universe out of that.

[Rob]

Yes. Which we can get into the specifics of that. I don't. I don't know the, like, timeline of how all these things spun off. I mean, the other crazy thing is just the scale of it and the amount of money. That was what blew my mind when. When they first started watching Blippi. I was just like, how is this? And Ms. Rachel. I think I looked down at it a little bit and diminished the value and probably what goes into it.

[David Farrier]

Well, I think what you said earlier, it looks like when you're watching some of the stuff, it looks like the production values aren't insanely high. It's not like you're watching some Marvel series or something or some highly produced documentary. It's very simplistic.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And it's. But the magic of connecting with kids is obviously this whole other thing that is probably so much goes into that.

[Rob]

Yeah. Well. And it was just like, who's this bozo that's acting like a kid?

[David Farrier]

Yeah. And why I could do that.

[Rob]

I. I don't go to. I could do that normally. Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

Okay. But this is interesting. I looked it up. Blippi World at one point. I don't know what it's currently doing, but 90 million. Over 90 million monthly views.

[David Farrier]

Holy shit.

[Rob]

In total, over 17 billion total views. And in 2020, Moonbug acquired the Blippi brand, allegedly, but not reported, for $120 million. But then 2021, Candle Media bought Moonbug, which is Blippi Cocomelon and a bunch of other kids things, for an estimated $3 billion.

[David Farrier]

Jesus. That's your jump right there.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

That's the thing. We are going. The scale of this is insane.

[Rob]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Even in. In P.O. i. I think of it in podcast world and some of the crazy deals in this land. And then you look at that.

[Rob]

Yeah. And they're just like a new crop of children every year that are being indoctrinated and completely. And can consume this content. A lot of these videos that have the crazy views are from like three or four years ago, too. It's not.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

Just here's a new video getting a ton. It's the longevity of, like, these are fundamental educational Learning, it's evergreen.

[David Farrier]

It's not like those old episodes suddenly become disposable. You can use them at any point.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And there's the other thing where. And maybe this is something I'm kind of curious to talk to her about, is the fact that you have these perfect. Like, it's interesting from a consumer point of view, because the audience, children, they can't purchase anything. They're useless.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

So obviously they're making this ad revenue, but then you've got the parent there, and all the parent wants to do, from what I've observed, is like, the kid is the most important thing in their life. Like, they will. They will put every bit of resource they possibly can into it. Whether it's working 10 jobs or if you've got disposable income, you will buy whatever will make your kid smarter or happier or whatever. And so you've got those parents, they're hovering, and they're the consumers that you can drag in. And I imagine there's like a bunch of products in there that just work their way into that universe.

[Rob]

Yeah. I mean, that's what's fascinating me most about this whole thing and why I thought we should do an episode on this was one the mechanics behind all of this. And I'm interested in just the intentionality and just learning how the sausage is made. Completely behind it. And then. Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And also think she's in this interesting position where she's come into this world that's already big and observed that and then within that gotten massive herself in this world. So she's got this really unique perspective

[Rob]

as a character, too, which is not that different than acting as a character outside of children's world. But for some reason, this feels a little more unique.

[David Farrier]

Do you know if she comes in and she's in character, it's like years ago, I interviewed Slipknot. I was like, are these guys. Are they going to be in character? Are they going to be in, like, the scary masks or no masks? I feel it's a similar thing. It's like, are we going to get the real person? Or imagine if it was an hour of baby voice gonna get the real person. Okay, good.

[Rob]

Caitlyn no longer performs as Mika.

[David Farrier]

Okay. So we're. We're safe.

[Rob]

Yes. Okay, good. Yeah. I'm excited to talk to her. She.

[Caitlyn Becker]

She.

[Rob]

Vinnie's first day of preschool, he was very nervous, and she was kind enough to make a video in character for him, just telling him how proud she was that he's going into preschool.

[David Farrier]

And I Love this. Yeah. I mean, that's amazing. So she's also a good person.

[Rob]

Yes, very good.

[David Farrier]

All right, let's get into it.

[Rob]

Here we go. Can you maybe introduce yourself, too? Might be helpful. Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Hello, I'm Caitlyn Becker.

[David Farrier]

How do you know Rob? Because he was saying before that I think Vincent was having. Was a bit scared of something you sent through a video to sort of get rid of his fear.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I think maybe when I started following you or something, we messaged each other and he was like, my son loves you. And I was like, oh, my God, I love your podcast. Which is like, yay, we love it. And then so nice. Was like, let me make a video for your son. And then. Yeah. What was going on?

[Rob]

He was just starting preschool.

[Caitlyn Becker]

That's right.

[David Farrier]

And he loves you.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

He was, like, such a big fan.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. So I made a video one day when I was on set, and then. Yeah, we've just, like, been connected since. And he was like, come, come talk on the show.

[David Farrier]

I love a good Internet friendship. It's like the one good thing about the Internet still is you can meet people that you would never meet otherwise.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I agree.

[David Farrier]

Really? People talk about the negative side of the Internet so much, but I think there's this really great side of being able to connect with people that would never happen without this kind of thing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Totally. I have a lot of Instagram friends who I have not met in real life yet, but they're like, real good friends.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, that's cool.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And it's wild. It's like, I don't know, kind of the modern day. Like, pen pal, maybe.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. I find the same thing. I don't have that with any other medium except Instagram. And sometimes I think if this goes away, like, I'll miss so many of that.

[Rob]

It will, it will, it will. Ten years ago was Facebook.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. It.

[Rob]

It evolves and disappears completely.

[Caitlyn Becker]

MySpace.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Miss it every day.

[David Farrier]

Bebo.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I don't know that. What is that?

[David Farrier]

Maybe that was a New Zealand thing. I feel like you were like, what the hell? Bebo was after MySpace.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Sounds like a character.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, it was. I don't know what the difference was between that and MySpace, but it was a thing in New Zealand and I love Bebo so much.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Did you also get to rank your friends?

[David Farrier]

Absolutely. Absolutely.

[Caitlyn Becker]

What a listing.

[David Farrier]

Top 10.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

It was cooked, right?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And then how you would just kind of rotate, like, you know what? Actually, you're down to number seven. You can't be my number one anymore.

[David Farrier]

I wish they'd archived the. The MySpace pages of that time. Because I want to look at what I was doing there, because it would have been psychotic.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Oh, I'm sure I was so dramatic in whatever I was posting. I am sure of it.

[David Farrier]

We have you in here to. I want to learn about the world of. What do we even call it, like, child sort of YouTube, entertainment education, children's media.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Children's media, you could say, for all things included. And then it can break down to kids tv, live action animation, voiceover. Just a lot.

[David Farrier]

How did you get brought into this world? And maybe we should start at the beginning. What were you doing before you got drawn into this world?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Musical theater.

[David Farrier]

How did the children's entertainment education thing come up?

[Caitlyn Becker]

So it's one of these things where I did all these things in life that perfectly led me to kids TV without knowing it. Like, I never dreamt about being on a kids TV show. And so I was doing musical theater and then I got really burnt out because it's hard and it's pretty cutthroat and the pay is terrible and the hours are long. And I was just like, I need to sound horrific. Yeah. Was laughing with my friend the other day when. Just reminiscing about how excited we would be for a $300 a week contract.

[Rob]

Wow.

[Caitlyn Becker]

$300 in new York City. And being like, oh, my God, I'm a paid actor. $300 a week. And I'm only working like 12 hours a day. And my body hurts.

[David Farrier]

That's also part of the curse of doing something that you artistically love.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

It's like, that's what keeps you going. But then you look at all the other factors and you're like, what the hell?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Exactly. Now that I'm. I'm just so grown up and evolved, but I look back and I'm like, oh, my God, that was crazy. So anyway, I took a break and I made a pivot to TV film. And I was doing a lot of background work and just like, learning the lingo of TV film. And I saw an audition in my email. I almost deleted it. It just looked like a spam thingy. And it said, do you wanna work with a chicken? And I was like, what? That's so weird. And then I was like, wait, I bet it's the show Sunny side Up that my nephew watched every day where there's a chicken puppet. So I was like, I bet it's Sunny side Up. So I open the email and I look at the. You know what they were looking for? And it was me. It Was like a theater experience, musical childhood development experience. And I'm like, wait, I did work at a preschool for five years as an assistant teacher and thought nothing of it. I loved it. But I was like, wait, I have that improv experience. I was on an improv team like every. It was so many things. It was very specific.

[David Farrier]

You're surreal to read.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And I'm like, yes, yes, yes.

[Rob]

In New York.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. I'm like, what the hell? So then I sent in a video and ended up booking the job. And the job was incredible.

[David Farrier]

Wait, what was the video that you sent in? What did you have to self tape to send in?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, so I had to sing the Sunny side Up birthday song and I had like a teddy bear next to me as the puppet and I had to sing that song and then I had to do some kind of like intro. The show was kind of like the Today show for preschoolers. And so we would like talk about the weather and what's going on in the news and stuff. So for the audition, I think I had to pick one segment to like rip off of and do the birthday song.

[David Farrier]

Cool.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And I was nannying a little girl at the time. Again, like, I'm just around kids all the time and I just. Yeah. So and I showed her the video and I'm like, do you like this? Are you entertained?

[David Farrier]

A one person focus group?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And then I was like, she likes it. So I sent it in and then I got the job and I. I was a on air host for the Sunny side Up show for from 2013 to 2017 is when the show ended up and was a writer, wrote all of my own music, was a segment producer. It was. Wore a hundred hats and it was crazy. But now I'm like, that was the best job ever. We filmed out of 30 Rock in New York. We were on the same floor as the Tonight show and we would share guests. Sometimes like there would be. This could be wrong, but it was like an NBC press package and you could pick and choose so a celebrity could come and you know, be on the Tonight show or host snl. And then it's like, do you also want to be on the Sunny setup show? And if they had kids in their lives and they knew what it was, they're like, yeah, that's awesome. Put me on the kids show. And so they would come on and

[David Farrier]

are there any guests that particularly stand out of being sort of like surreal as like being in front of you?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. Number one, Julie Andrews.

[David Farrier]

Ah, amazing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I had like Cottonmouth.

[David Farrier]

Holy Shit.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I was like, I couldn't be a person at all. And she was. She introduced herself to me and thanks. She, like, took my hand and was like, hi, I'm Julie. Like, no shit. And she's like, thank you so much for having me on your show. And I was like, no, thank you.

[David Farrier]

I. Yeah, I'm.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Oh, my God, it was wild. And I got to ask her for a spoonful of sugar. She said, any sugar? And I said, just a teaspoon. And she said, that's all you need, and winked. And I was like, I'm dead. I'm dead. And the producer's like, okay, we will cut. You cannot say I'm dead. Dead. But I was just like, oh, my God. Like, she winked at me.

[David Farrier]

Stay tuned for more Flightless Bird. We'll be right back after a word from our sponsors. Support for Flightless Bird comes from Quint. Now, August, where we are right now, it's the perfect time to hit reset before the autumn rush begins. And honestly, I can't think of a better place to start than my closet. That's why I love shopping at Quint. It's all about fewer, better pieces. Their clothes are made with premium materials. They're built to last, and they're designed to become the ones you reach for day after day after day. They also specialize in everyday staples that work harder, like their ultra soft organic cotton teas. I love those. I've got a bunch of them. And their premium Mongolian cashmere sweaters. They're versatile, timeless, and transition seamlessly from casual workday to a dinner out with your friends. Also, everything at Quint is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. They work directly with ethical factories to cut out the middlemen. So you're paying for high quality, not brand markup at the moment. This week things are pretty toasty where I am, so I'm wearing so many of their soft organic cotton tees. They're really good. They sit really comfortably on you. They look really good. You know, some tees, you put them on, you're like, oh, that doesn't look good. Not the case with Quince. The fits are so, so good. And also just remember, go to their website because it's not just clothing. They've become my go to for everything from hotel quality bedding to bath essentials, premium cookware and travel must haves. They've got a lot more stuff other than clothes. It's all good. So upgrade your everyday. Download the Quints app for app exclusive offers or go to quince.com Bert get free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK too. That's q-u I n c e.com Bert support for flightless bird comes from Pesty. Now, I don't know whether you've had this experience you probably have where you've ordered a contractor in to do something and it just ends up being so much more annoying than you ever anticipated. Figuring out when they're going to arrive and then the actual job they do. You're kind of watching them going, I kind of think I could have done that. And when it comes to pest control, this is where Pesty comes in. Because I've been using this stuff and good God, I wish I'd known about it earlier. I live in Los Angeles. It's particularly hot at the moment and this is probably tmi. But when it gets really hot, cockroaches just emerge. I don't know where they're coming from. They're the really big guys, so it's not like my house is infested with them, but they make their way inside. They terrify me at about 3am in the morning if I need to get up and go for a wee again. Tmi, Pesty has solved this problem. It's gotten rid of my cockroach issue. It's caught them, they're dead. They're not coming back. Thank you, Pesty, because cockroaches, look, I just can't deal with them. I'm sorry. I can deal with a lot of pests in the house. Cockroaches are not it. But Pesti is going to get rid of whatever you want to get rid of. You can get started with Pesti at just $35 per treatment and it comes with a customized plan based on your location, your bugs, your climate, where you are. You might not have my roach problem, but you might have pets of your own. Pesti gets rid of over 100 types of bugs, from spiders to ants to roaches and scorpions. It's also kid and pet friendly. The pesticides they ship are fully registered and have been used in hospitals and schools all across the country. It also offers a 100% bug free, guaranteed or your money back. So essentially, if your bugs don't go away, you get a full refund. So there's no risk in there. The kit that you get, it includes a sprayer, a mixing bag, pesticide gloves and instructions. It's really easy to follow. I'm really bad at this stuff. Pesti makes it really easy. So what are you waiting for? Fix your bug problem before it gets worse. Go to pesti.combird for an extra 10% off your first order today. That's P-E-S-T-I-E.com bird for an extra 10% off.

[Rob]

This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome.

[David Farrier]

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[Rob]

motorcycle from a 50 page restoration block.

[David Farrier]

Or finally break down that long article

[Rob]

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[David Farrier]

Gemini and Chrome is here for it, ready to make anything online make sense. There's no place like Chrome. Check responses, setup required.

[Rob]

Compatibility and availability various 18.

[David Farrier]

I also love that she sounds just a really good level person that came in and made you feel comfy.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Oh my gosh. I just wanted to like curl up in her lap and be like, tell me a story. Yeah, she was so sweet. So that's number one.

[David Farrier]

That's. I mean, I feel that sets the scene of that whole time where you're just having these incredible experiences. You're working your butt off. But it's also so fulfilling.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. We had Michelle Obama on oh my God, like, what? She smelled great. I was like, what is in your hair? Like, I just like, wow. She was so also very chill. Made everyone really comfortable.

[David Farrier]

And you felt at home in this. You were like, this is something that I really love doing. Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I was like, this is not that hard. Meaning it comes naturally to me. Like, this is comfy. Where I moved to New York, wanting to struggle and feel like shit. Like I'm like, I want to be a struggling artist and I'm going to be in these hole in the wall theaters and just do like really dramatic, life changing things and just it has to be hard.

[David Farrier]

That's the fucked up thing about New York, I find, is that people being exhausted and struggling is seen as a win somehow.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, it's not.

[David Farrier]

It's really unusual. Wait, so when you're, when you're presenting on a show like that for kids, how does that affect your performance? Because you're obviously. Were you starting to be a character, a version of yourself?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Like, what is that mindset? Like, because I was just thinking before, imagine if Flightless Bird was for children, like, what would I be doing differently? Like, what would I be doing? Because I sort of picture people listening to this and I sort of picture, I guess people like me, maybe that side. But imagine if I'm going out to kids. I just don't know Where I would

[Caitlyn Becker]

begin, it's not that different. I think that's where the kids. Shows that don't work or people. People live action like other hosts. When you talk to a kid like they are dumb, you know, it's. Or you do you put on some voice like you do to like a little dog if you're like, hi. Like, most kids are like, okay, but when you just talk to a kid like a fellow human, and they're smart and. And like, lead with empathy.

[David Farrier]

I was just saying that to Rob before. When I talk to kids, I just like talking to them like I'm talking to an adult almost. And they can either be into it or tune out.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

So they don't mind.

[Caitlyn Becker]

No. I feel like most of the time they like it, so. Yeah. But I was a version of myself on that show. I was Caitlyn. I wasn't like, playing a character.

[David Farrier]

And then that show wrapped up after what, about five years?

[Caitlyn Becker]

What then 2017. And at the time, I was taking voiceover lessons and classes because I knew I wanted to get pregnant. And I'm like, what can I do while pregnant?

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And still be performing or whatever. And I've always wanted to do voiceover. And so I was taking all kinds of classes, like voiceover for animation and voiceover for audiobooks and blah, blah, blah. And then I got a private coach when the show ended and I was super pregnant and I was taking improv class also super pregnant. I was just like, everything's fine. I can do everything even though I'm pregnant, even though it was terrible. Why did I do that? We don't know.

[David Farrier]

But New York and New York.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, you're so right. You can't. It's like if you have a day of nothing planned, it's like, really?

[David Farrier]

But also, isn't that a crazy decision to have to make of I have to keep working but do something that's going to, like, cater to my body changing. It's just like a mad decision.

[Rob]

If someone asks you how you are, you have to be busy and exhausted.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. Like, oh, I'm exhausted. I did 10 things yesterday.

[Rob]

You've been real lazy lately, not doing much.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. So I. Yeah, I got into voiceover and started working pretty quickly in voiceover and doing a lot of stuff for kids animation and was writing a bit too. And then Covid hit. I got a call from someone from Moonbug Productions, and I never heard of them before. They were, you know, talking a big talk. Like, we just bought all the most popular channels on YouTube and my son at the time was three, and he had never watched anything on YouTube before. And they're spitting out all these shows. You know, we have Cocomelon and Baby Bum and whatever. And at the time, I'd never heard of these shows, so I was just like, okay, I don't want to do a YouTube thing. What does that even mean? And they were like, we cannot tell you who this is for, but we want to see if you could be the best friend. It's a very popular character. Very. And I'm just on the zoom call, like, hungover, because it was Covid. And just like, I don't think I want to be on camera for kids stuff. I think I'm done with that. And they were like, well, could you just fly out and just, you know, we can meet and we can test it out and. But we cannot tell you. But you probably know who it is. He wears suspenders and glasses. And I'm like, Steve Urkel. And so they kept going, she's good. She's good. I'm like, I'm not acting. I don't know who you're talking about. I really don't. So they flew me in.

[Rob]

In Covid time.

[Caitlyn Becker]

In Covid time. One of, like, five people on a plane. Yeah. And I was like, should I be doing this? But then I also was like, get me out of my apartment. Like, I have to get out of here, so fly out to la. And they also had the dude who's playing Blippi now, he was auditioning to replace the original Blippi. So he was there. Like, I was there, very chill. Just like, what is this world? What do y' all want to see me for? And he was like, I am auditioning to be the next Blippi.

[Rob]

And I'm like, what's a Blippi?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Like, what is going on? And so for me, they said, we want to see what it looks like for Blippi to have a best friend. They didn't have a lot of ideas. Was like, she's cool. Babysitter. She's fun. We know you sing. Like, she's. Could be musical. Maybe she, like, makes up songs. And I was just like, what?

[David Farrier]

It's so loose.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And I. I brought a bunch of different outfits, and Blippi is Blippi ing. And I'm still trying to just figure out the world. The first day of filming these test shoots, I got a breakfast sandwich from the hotel lobby and a coffee. And I was eating the sandwich, and it tasted terrible, but I kept eating it Because I was like, oh, maybe it's like, anxiety. I'm just like, I don't know anyone. I don't know what this show is.

[David Farrier]

Covid. All our taste buds are changing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. I'm just like, I need something in my stomach, so I'm gonna keep eating the disgusting sandwich.

[David Farrier]

Oh, God.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. So I show up to the set and I'm feeling crazy, like, lightheaded. And I'm like, I think I need more water. I just. I feel really off. But I'm like, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine. They're like, okay, we're gonna do like a hide and seek segment. And Blippi is like, 200% energy. Just like, yeah, like, I'll hide first. And I'm like, okay, this is new Blippi. Yes. And I was behind a wall, and then I cartwheeled in front of the camera, you know, so it's like the kids are seeing, like, oh, there she is.

[David Farrier]

You appear. It's your big entrance.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. So I did the cartwheel. And they're like, you can cartwheel. And I'm like, why? Why are you excited about that? Like, you should cartwheel every entrance. And I was like, no, what have I done? What have I done? So I were improvising and doing all the things, and it was fun, but I was like, oh, I think I'm dizzy from all the cartwheels. Like, the room was spinning.

[David Farrier]

Look, this is a good theory. You cartwheeling, dizzy, not that weird tasting. We had sandwich.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Like, yeah, it was just like, that was crazy. I went upside down so many times. So then we're like, we're going to get in the car and go to this person's house. We're filming in their backyard. She's a really cool backyard. Like, okay. I get in the car and I'm literally like, no, no, no, no, no. Things are going to happen. Things are going to happen. We get to this person's yard, and I said, hey, I don't want to eat this lunch. And I feel like shit. I feel like shit. I have to say it. I feel like shit. And they're like, you do? Oh, my God. Do you think you have Covid? Like, should we test her? And I'm like, know if this is a Covid thing.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. It's the one time in history of saying, I feel that is so loaded.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And everyone's.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

So I ended up puking, like, seven times in this woman's guest house. And I'm sweating. I take half my clothes Off. I'm laying on this woman's bed, rubbing my own stomach, my sweaty stomach. The producer knocks, like, Caitlyn. And I was like, you don't want to come in here. He, like, cracks the door open and he goes, you don't. We know that. We want you. Like, you don't have to do anything else. We just wanted to make sure you weren't crazy. Like, this is not an audition like this. Don't worry.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, we want to make sure you're sick and you haven't just gone and stripped off and are freaking out in this woman's house.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I'm, like, shaking because I, you know, everything came out of my body. And I kept saying, let me sing for you. Let me sing for you. Because he kept saying, we want her to be musical. And I'm like, I never sang today. Let me sing for you. And he was like, it's okay. You just lay there.

[Rob]

You know, you can sing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Then I thought, no, I need them to see everything that I can do. So I get up and I'm, like, trying to, like, powder my face because I was so sweaty. And I walked outside, and everyone just backs up. And I was like, I could do. I'll improvise a segment right now. And the producer's like, I like, respectfully, you don't look great. And I was like, okay, I guess I shouldn't. Yeah, I just. I think I need to fly home.

[David Farrier]

Finally. You take the pedal off.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. Like, what's wrong with me? Yeah. And then they were like, you.

[David Farrier]

You wanted to show them. You wanted to show them that you could sing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

They were trusting me, but I was like, you don't really know what I can do. This is a big risk. And they're like, no, you're fine.

[David Farrier]

So just maximum food poisoning hitting in the worst possible way at the worst possible time.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It was awful.

[David Farrier]

Holy shit. What do you think was wrong in the sandwich? Egg or meat or. It was egg. Bad egg.

[Rob]

Egg. Food poisoning is bad. I've had it.

[Caitlyn Becker]

La eggs.

[David Farrier]

I've never had it.

[Rob]

I had it right when spine flu was coming around and I thought I had swine flu.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Holy shit.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I've never, ever been that bad. It was awful.

[David Farrier]

So, wait, so flying back, were you still thinking, I fucked up and I didn't get the gig, or did you feel confident?

[Caitlyn Becker]

I was like, you were good. I was like, maybe this is a red flag that I should not be working on this shit. Yeah, it's a sign. Like, I really was like, that was wild. That's Never happened before. But the two producers that I was working with were so lovely and so nice, and I was like, I would love to work for them again. Like, they're so great. But I was like, I don't even really know what this is. Is this like a YouTube gig? And I just. I don't know. So I didn't really think too much about it. And then I didn't hear from them for months.

[David Farrier]

Bad sign.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I was just like, they're probably not gonna go forward with whatever. And then my friend was like, are you doing Blippi's Treehouse? Cause your picture, like, pops up. Like, it was in, like, a pitch meeting or something. And I was like, what?

[Rob]

You're on a billboard.

[Caitlyn Becker]

What's Blippi Street House? Yeah, like, it's. It's going to be like a premium live action show, not YouTube, a series. And I'm like, I never heard of Blippi Street House. And she's like, I'm pretty sure they want you to be in it. Said, interesting. So I emailed the producer that I, like, really connected with was like, hey, long time no see. I'm hearing whisperings of Libby's Treehouse. And the email bounces back, find out she doesn't work there anymore. And I'm like, oh, but you are my favorite. So I'm like, okay. They finally I got a phone call asking if I could come to LA to meet Steven John, the original Blippi, the creator of Blippi, because he was going to do the show and Amazon wanted to see basically, like a chemistry read.

[David Farrier]

So new Blippi that you had met is out of the picture now. You're back with Ol Blippi.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Okay. Original Blippi.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. So I'm like, okay. And I fly into LA for like, 48 hours to meet Steven Egg sandwich. Right away, I was like, oh. Actually, when I walked into the office, one of the guys was like, oh, should we order a breakfast sandwich? And I was like, too soon, too soon.

[David Farrier]

Everyone remembers. Everyone knows.

[Caitlyn Becker]

They're just like, ooh, you feeling okay? I'm like, it was six months ago. Like, I'm great now. So we met and became instant friends. It was like, right away, I was like, oh, I love this guy. And they were like, great, we're going to film you two walking around the office and just do, like, a classic Blippi video. And we just improvised an entire episode where we were, like, touring the Office. And we did it in one take. And they were like, no notes. Send it to Amazon. And Amazon was like, yeah, that's your girl. And then holy shit, like a week later I came to LA for a three month contract do do Blippi's Treehouse.

[David Farrier]

And you were in on one of the biggest kids shows ever.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And still kind of not understanding that. I thought, I'm going to do a three month gig of Blippi's Treehouse. The end.

[David Farrier]

Uh huh.

[Rob]

Yeah. What was that trajectory, how immediate was

[Caitlyn Becker]

was like in the middle of those three months, they started talking to me of like, yeah, we want you to join the franchise. And I think as an actor we like protect ourselves. We are ready for rejection, things to go wrong. And I, I'm always like, I believe nothing till I see it in writing. And they're just talking, yeah, we want you to join the franchise. And then maybe your character, your character will have her own YouTube channel. And I'm just like, whatever, whatever, whatever. Like I have other things going on, whatever. And then, yeah, next thing I know I'm like signing this big fat contract. Not big fat money was, but a contract of, you know, many, many pages to join a franchise as this new character. And before I knew, it was like, my episodes are on Netflix and Disney and there's a Mika doll. And it was just. My brain is still trying to really understand how big it all became. But yeah, very, very different from Sunnyside up, where I was super involved in creating and writing, had a lot of input and then to switch to playing a character that I helped create, but I didn't have a lot of. I caught myself like getting frustrated because I wanted to be like, actually, I have a better idea if anyone cares. Yeah, I have some experience.

[David Farrier]

What was the character of Micah? How was that different? Cause I was just joking with Rob that you were gonna come in and play that character.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Would you die?

[David Farrier]

I don't know what I'd do.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And I'm just like, I'm like this all the time.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

What was I cartwheeling?

[David Farrier]

Yeah, I was waiting for it.

[Rob]

Yeah. We'll have to look at our entrance again.

[David Farrier]

Like, what, what? How did you reach that character? And what. Can you just describe that character to me?

[Caitlyn Becker]

So Micah is Blippi's best friend. She. Well, Micah changed a few times.

[David Farrier]

Okay.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And before Micah, it was Dottie.

[David Farrier]

Okay.

[Caitlyn Becker]

That's who was cartwheeling in.

[David Farrier]

Okay. Dottie cartwheeled Dottie.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It was D, O, T. T. I is how I spelled the name. Then it switched to Mika on Blippi's Treehouse. Mika was really musical. I sang in every Single episode, sang and danced. She was also a maker, a crafter, and voice of reason. Blippi's very reactive, where Micah really thinks things through and plans them out and is like, hold on, we're. Blippi just goes, she's the type.

[Rob]

A friend.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes, exactly. And loves a cartwheel. And then the character, as higher ups changed and everyone has an opinion, and she started changing. And that's when there was, like, a bit of a rub. Because I'm like, wait, wait, wait. We worked so hard to develop this Micah, and now she's getting a little closer to Blippi.

[David Farrier]

So what were those changes? Being more intense, being more odd, voices more. What was the thing?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Well, they were like, here's a page of catchphrases that we want Micah to say. Like, all of a sudden, oh, right.

[Rob]

Just bust these out. Out of nowhere.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And I'm like, just naturally say cowabunga. None of them sounded like Micah to me. It was so, like, a forced catchphrase. We were on Blippi's Treehouse. Mika always said, fabulous, like, all the time. She'd be like, I have a fabulous idea for blah, blah, blah. Or like, that was her word. But that was it. There wasn't a list of catchphrases.

[David Farrier]

No. And it made sense. You could flip that into something how you'd naturally react to something.

[Caitlyn Becker]

That's right. And Blippi did not have catchphrases, really. So I was like, why do I have a list?

[David Farrier]

That's so funny. Like, what a weird task to get.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And then the creative execs would be like, oh, maybe say this line in here, like, the catchphrase. And I'm like, okay, I'll try. And it's just like, trying to force,

[David Farrier]

like, a. Oh, I would hate this. I would bristle at this shit.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. It's like, who are you to tell me what to say? It's like, I'm nailing this character. This is so annoying.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And then some of them were kind of like, too a beat, you know, like.

[David Farrier]

Cause they probably want to put on a T shirt or something.

[Caitlyn Becker]

You know, they want things to catch on because it's just such a business.

[Rob]

Well, in that world, too, is people being creative. That shouldn't. It's too many cooks.

[David Farrier]

Too many cooks.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Lots of questions.

[Rob]

Which, though, maybe. Because what was the rub? You created the character, and a lot of it was improvised and. Yeah, but you don't have ownership in IP and nothing. The growth of it. You're not necessarily reaping the Benefits?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Not at all.

[Rob]

And then watching it get distorted, how was that?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Not great. I'm still working through some things, honestly, because. Because of shows how we stream things in YouTube, people are discovering Micah for the first time every day. A friend recently, someone recognized me in public and she was like, that still happens. I'm like, it's going to keep happening because your videos, she keeps getting rediscovered

[David Farrier]

and wait, so just for me, quick timeline of you getting that key job to feeling like it's souring to you leaving. What roughly years was that?

[Caitlyn Becker]

So 2021 is when I came out for those three months and then for that first year. So to 2022. And I was doing episodes for YouTube with Steven, and I wasn't doing the just the Mika solo episodes yet. Then when it switched to Mica solo, things were, like, different. And then probably 2023 is when I was like, mayday, mayday. Like, this is a very different job than what I signed up for, and it's not feeling so great. I stayed on a little longer just out of fear of not having a job and not getting a paycheck, but it was just constantly changing and. Yeah, but really just that first year.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And there were lots of problems, but I was having a lot of fun.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

So I was like, how lucky am I that I'm having fun on the job? December 2024, and they offered me another contract and I said no.

[David Farrier]

Interesting. What a wild ride.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It was the biggest no ever.

[David Farrier]

You knew.

[Caitlyn Becker]

People are still like, I cannot believe you said no.

[David Farrier]

How interesting. Because. Yeah, that's such an amazing thing. Like an incredible turndown because you're this big thing, but creatively, you just. It's driving you mad. I can't keep doing this.

[Rob]

This precious thing that you helped build that probably meant a lot to you, and to see it crushed or morphed into something different.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, it was. I had to really separate myself from the character. And I found, you know, people ask me all the time, do you miss it? Do you miss it? And I don't. Which is telling.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Year one, I would have been surprised if someone said, in a few years, you're not gonna miss this. You know? Cause I'm like, I'm having so much fun. I can't believe I get to do this and, like, film all the time. Like, I just felt very lucky, you know, to be an actor in these, like, shitty times and have jobs and. Yeah. So I don't. Yeah, I don't miss being that character. I also do turn it on all the time. Because I do run into families pretty regularly that are like, are you Micah? So I will dip into the character a lot. And I'm on cameo, not as Mika, as Caitlyn. But yeah, I can't help but, like, turn that part of me on when I'm talking to a kid, especially if they're a fan.

[Rob]

What was the driver then? Was it just how they were changing the character? Were you burnt out from a grueling production schedule?

[Caitlyn Becker]

There were a lot of things. There was a lot of miscommunications. There was a lot of lies. Like, things that I was just like, this is not how I work and this doesn't feel good, especially when you're making something for kids. And there was a lot of. I don't know, I was constantly disappointed, and that's exhausting. And it was hard. It was getting hard to show up to set and be this energetic, positive character when I just got off of a frustrating phone call with a producer, you know, whatever. And then having to be on camera, like, I'm so excited. And then inside I'm like, yeah, you

[David Farrier]

know, that dichotomy would be crazy. Making. How was Blippi to deal with that character? The man.

[Caitlyn Becker]

The character. The man. So I'm really close with the original Blippi, Steven John. We still talk all the time.

[Rob]

And you hate the new one, though.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And I hate. No, no, no. Actually, I hate no one. And that is for. For real.

[David Farrier]

Okay.

[Caitlyn Becker]

They. They're very different blippies, in my opinion. Some people don't think so, but, you know, they're different people, so it's different energies. Clayton is a lot younger than me, and so I. I just felt so old around him because he had so, so much energy and he's so eager and, like, excited and, like, loves being Blippi. And I felt like young people, like, they're making me do another cartwheel. And I was like, that was my hip hop. Sorry. And I'm just like. I felt like we are on two different pages in this life where Steven was more like of a chilled out energy.

[Rob]

Did he create Blippi himself? So, I mean, he probably had a totally different relationship with Blippi.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Totally. And same as you with come in and play a character that was so beloved and people are obsessed with Blippi, and then he has to come in as the new Blippi. Lucky for me, I got to be an OG Now. There's another Mika.

[David Farrier]

Oh, there's another Mika.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[Rob]

It's crazy. They're just, like, swapping out and so within the YouTube channel, like I remember Vinnie watching and be like, that's not Caitlyn anymore. Or that's a different.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, that's so interesting.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And we look nothing alike because occasionally

[David Farrier]

in adult shows I'll swap characters out and it's always a bit of a jump.

[Rob]

House of the Dragon.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, but like also shopping at a main character is kind of crazy, but I guess kids sort of accept it. But also just got so many questions. Old original Bippy Stephen. Yeah, he's not on screen anymore. No, he's retired. He's just pulling the strings as Blippi. Racking it in.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Not even. Like he sold. He sold the brand out to Moonbug.

[David Farrier]

Got a payday out of there. Okay, and you, you, have you met new you, new Mika?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. And actually people don't realize that I met her not even a year into me being Mika. Like, they brought her in pretty fast.

[David Farrier]

Uh huh.

[Caitlyn Becker]

But some people are still finding out like, what there's a new meek. And I'm like, y', all, it's been happening. She be here.

[Rob]

Did you have to train her?

[Caitlyn Becker]

No, but I, I did offer to help and support. I was like, this is a weird situation, but it would be easier to be kind and open and go with it than. And so I offered and I offered my information to her. Here's my number. I told Moonbug I'm happy to support and also because I'm precious about the character, I want her to be successful

[Rob]

and, you know, carry on the legacy of Mika.

[Caitlyn Becker]

So I'm like, I'm here to help. I really am. I'm here to help and support, but no one wanted any of that. So I said, okay, got it. Message received. And I did tell them, you know, I don't like that, especially being a person of color, that you're casting someone as the exact same character, saying that's the same person and we look completely different.

[David Farrier]

It's a question I had in my mind and I wasn't sure how to raise it. It's like, who is this new version of you?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, well. And I said when I first met her before she like signed a contract and they had her like visit set, I was like, what? Like 5 inches shorter than me, different skin tone, like, very, very different. And I was like, I can't. How do they think this is okay? This is feeling a little racist.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

You know, like, and are we expecting families to just think that all black girls look the same? You like, I was like, this is like my body was reacting not like egg sandwich way, like in a.

[David Farrier]

Like vomiting immediately projectile. No, but it felt wrong.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, I get it.

[Caitlyn Becker]

They felt. They weren't being very, like, sensitive about it. It just happened very fast and everything there moves very quickly. I improvise and I'm always making up silly songs and things. Whatever. I don't think about it. It just, like, comes out. And they loved that about Micah, which it is me.

[David Farrier]

Like, that's very specific skill.

[Caitlyn Becker]

They're like, oh, we love when Mika. I'm like, I don't even, you know, I don't plan it. It just kind of happens as I'm like, playing on camera. So they would tell her, like, oh, and you should, like, make up funny songs like Caitlin does. I'm like, who can. It's not a lot of people just naturally do that.

[Rob]

You know, they send her to cartwheel school.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, they're like, stretching her legs out. They're like, it's worth it. You have to cartwheel in and out. So I, like, felt bad, but I'm just like, the new people are. They're not set up for success to be like, we want you to be a copy paste version that they're forcing

[David Farrier]

them into a very strange box of someone else's creation.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. I don't know. I have a lot of feelings about it, but I wish that things had worked out differently. I wish that they had taken some time to figure out how to fill more and do more with multiple actors. Whether that's have a new girl come in who's a different character. We always, we. Me, myself and I, we are like, why can't it be like Blippi and friends? Or, you know, they're just bringing in new characters and not saying, oh, that'd

[Rob]

be very easy the way they brought in Mika to just bring in another person.

[David Farrier]

Stay tuned for more Flightless Bird. We'll be right back after a word from our sponsors. This episode is supported by FX's the Shards, a seductive drama from executive producer Ryan Murphy. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the series follows a group of glamorous, deeply entangled high school seniors drawn into a life of wealth, beauty, parties and excess. At its center is Brett, whose reality begins to unravel when the arrival of a new student coincides with a series of mysterious murders. FX's the Shards premieres August 5th on FX and Hulu.

[Caitlyn Becker]

This one goes out to all my ladies, all my multitasking mamas who need energy to show up and at work and at home, all my empty nest explorers who need A little gut health

[Rob]

support for the journey ahead.

[Caitlyn Becker]

AG1 is the daily health drink designed

[Rob]

to support whole body health with over 75 essential nutrients and pre and probiotics

[Caitlyn Becker]

so you can make the most of every day and every decade.

[Rob]

Learn [e-mail] I wrote a little song to remind you.

[David Farrier]

Choice hotels get you more of the experiences you value.

[Rob]

The Cambria Hotel's got it all.

[Caitlyn Becker]

A rooftop bar.

[Rob]

Have a ball, Bring a date, your

[David Farrier]

squad or even your mom. Book [e-mail].

[Caitlyn Becker]

When I tell you, like, strangers come up to me. I have so many drunk moms that will come up to me at a bar and they'll be like, it's weird with the new Mika, it's weird, right? And I'm like, I mean, you know, life is crazy. Like, what?

[David Farrier]

The conversations you must have. And that's not gonna stop. That'll go on because this stuff is evergreen and it's always gonna be. And as you say, people are gonna discover it for the first time.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

That's still a part of your life.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes, very much so, yeah.

[David Farrier]

I mean, I think you're remaining relatively calm in a very weird situation. Like you could be this bitter, twisted person. You feel very. I mean, maybe you're hiding it. You seem like very calm and chill and a very odd thing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

But I do feel, I mean, my lawyer, when they offered me the contract because I was just like, no, thank you. And he's like, just for fun, what would you say? He's like, they're not going to. But just for funsies, what if they said, we will give you a million dollars to stay? And I said I would say, no, thank you. And he was like, understood, Cool. I was just very like, sure. I'm like, it is time. And it was the shock of a lifetime to everyone.

[David Farrier]

How long ago was this?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Two years, a year and a half.

[Rob]

Which also, given the financials of it too, a million dollars wouldn't have been crazy for them to offer you knowing that they $3 billion was what it was allegedly acquired for.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I don't think it was in the billions, but definitely the millions and millions. And I, yeah, I was working my ass off outside of Mika to pay my rent and like my bills, which most people would assume that like, you're this star of this kid's TV show. I had so many friends when like, merchandise started to come out and they're like, oh my God, you're doing it. You're so successful. And I'm like, wait, what? Send me a link to that toy. I've never seen that before. Like, I'm not. Yeah.

[Rob]

You entered this business machine.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[Rob]

That was using you and your likeness and this character.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Netflix people are like, oh, my God, you're on Netflix. Like, congrats on the Netflix deal. I'm like, I didn't sign a Netflix deal. I had nothing to do with that.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. So as this is getting bigger, it's not like your paycheck is increasing with all this stuff and merchandise. You're not wreaking, you're not bringing in millions and millions of dollars.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Now and again, I think, like, you've stayed incredibly sane with all of that around you, because that's just bonkers to see.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Within the world of children's educators. And Rob was educating me about some of them. Before you came in, did you get to sort of meet other people? I think about Ms. Rachel and other people. Do you know these people in this world?

[Caitlyn Becker]

I do. And Rachel's one of my best friends now.

[David Farrier]

Oh, get out.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And she. This is another example of lack of communication. Rachel message. And I didn't know who she was. Again, I promise I'm not, like, clueless, but. But when this happened, she was not as big as she is now, and she was making videos. And I saw her on TikTok only doing videos that were for babies. And my son was not a baby. And I didn't have any other babies in my life, so I just, like, I didn't know who she was. She messaged me on Instagram and said, hey, we should meet. We're both in New York. We're both moms. We have, like, sons that are the same age, I think, and we're gonna be singing together soon. And I was like, singing together? What are you talking about? Who is this? Like, I feel like that's the girl I saw on Tick Tock doing, like, a baby speech thing. And she was like, yeah, we're doing an episode together. I was like, all right. But she's like, we should, like, grab a coffee. I'm like, sure. News to me.

[Rob]

I did appreciate the, like, crossovers of these worlds. It was very much like WWF back in the day and, like, Scooby Doo, where they'd bring on wrestlers and Kiss and all these worlds coming together. How are these connecting?

[Caitlyn Becker]

I bit just, like, what? They're all friends. So Rachel and I met for coffee and it ended up being like a four hour hang where we were again, just instant friends and being like, me too, me too, me too, me too. And just, like, laughing and similar backgrounds and so that was awesome. And then when we got to do the episode together, it was like, yay, my friend.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Then she was like, welcome to the world of Blippi and Micah too. Which is completely different from what she does. And we are so, like, fast and furious and like, let's film three episodes in one day. And it's like, very crazy. And she's like, I like to rap by like 3pm I'm like, like, yeah. So like, sorry, welcome. This is crazy over here.

[David Farrier]

I love that she was cool from the second you met her, because second, as someone that doesn't have kids and doesn't know this world, she came on my radar when she was so outspoken about Palestine, and I was just like, holy shit, this is a bold, bold move when you are so big and no one was talking about it of that level. I feel like when she was. It's incredible.

[Caitlyn Becker]

She's a badass.

[David Farrier]

She's a badass.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. Biggest heart in the world.

[Rob]

When did she enter? What was going on with you and Miko? Like, what time was that happening?

[Caitlyn Becker]

I definitely was like, I went out.

[Rob]

Okay.

[Caitlyn Becker]

But I think Was that maybe 20, 23? Maybe?

[Rob]

Did she help? Like, was. Did or was it just too different of worlds that.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Too different? I mean, I definitely, like, shared things with her as a friend, but yeah, at that point I was like, a little mentally checked out.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Fair.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. And not ready to have that same conversation with a bunch of different people. Yes. I'm out of here.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. But we do. The kids world is so small, especially with live action shows. Like, there's so much animation, but there's not a lot of live action shows for preschoolers where you have a real human, like, talking to the camera. But we do all kind of know each other. Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And as someone with a kid as well. And you've got that insight, what do you make of this world where you have. I feel like it goes from like AI slope through to beautifully crafted animation through to real people and personalities. When you think of what kids are consuming, which is very different. When I was a kid and Rob was a kid, like, what do you make of that? Do you have thoughts on that in general?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Sure, I do.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes, I do.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Where do we, like, where do we begin with this?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Well, the reason I was so turned off by YouTube when they first reached out to me is because I only knew the YouTube videos that were like, the unboxing videos that kids were watching.

[David Farrier]

Rob mentioned that.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I'm just like, you're just Watching hours of kids open up a box and pull out a toy or whatever. And I was like, is that what I'm gonna be doing? I don't wanna do YouTube stuff. I hate how much is out there and how fast or easy it is to switch to the next thing, whether you're on YouTube or just on Netflix. You know, it's so easy to be like, next episode. Next episode. Or my kid will switch so many times it makes me crazy.

[Rob]

Vinny will do that. Where we were like, you're gonna pick this one and you finish it, sticking with it. And even if it's not the episode you want, like, yeah, we can change it after.

[David Farrier]

It's like the equivalent of an adult changing a song is halfway through next song, you know, flipping through a playlist just like, no, let it finish.

[Rob]

Well, and YouTube's training them to do that too.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Exactly. And I. I remember being stressed out at like, a blockbuster because of all the options of movies and knowing, like, I can rent one movie.

[David Farrier]

We've talked about this.

[Caitlyn Becker]

You have?

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It was just like, shh. It's a big deal.

[David Farrier]

Decision fatigue.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It's the movie that I'm gonna watch tonight.

[David Farrier]

But that's something you had to, like, think through and conceptualize.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes.

[David Farrier]

Whereas this whole thing of kids or adults flipping to the next thing, it's also teaching the creators and the corporations behind it. We have to create something that is, like, cracking.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

That is going to keep the kid on and not do that thing. And then that makes it crazy.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. And in YouTube, it's like we have to grab them within the first, like, three seconds. And so it's cartwheels for. Yeah. They're like, this is the time. Yeah. Literally. But, yeah, I think there's. There's too much. There's too many options. There's really, really good shows out there. I'm always pushing PBS on people. Like, don't forget pbs. Every show on there is perfect. Perfect.

[David Farrier]

Is there anything that you ask you'd push people towards specifically? Or PBS is the one you're like, this is for little kids.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I'm always pbs. Pbs, pbs.

[David Farrier]

Cool.

[Caitlyn Becker]

You know, now my kid is eight, so he does love his screen time. It stresses me out. I started tracking his non screen time and I told him every hour that you choose to not be on a screen. So not if you're at school and not if you're at soccer practice. You are choosing to do something other than go on a screen. I'm tracking it. And when you get to 24 hours, you get a yes day. I said this two months ago, and he still has not gotten to 24 hours.

[David Farrier]

I'm like, yeah, it's hard, right? I can't imagine growing up in that world. And I'm still getting. I mean, there's so much. I think someone that has no kids. I think there's too much panic about screens, and I think it's gone too far the other way.

[Rob]

My wife and I have had this conversation, too. If you just fully cut them off from the technology, they're going to be left behind. And everyone that can use an iPad really well technologically, they're going to be

[David Farrier]

in that, and they're getting good stuff through that. Sometimes, like, there's good stuff to be learned from there. So it's like this balancing act.

[Caitlyn Becker]

My kid likes to facetime his friends, like, on his iPad, which I'm like, oh, so cute. But then it's always going to turn into, like, wait, go to YouTube. I want to show you this YouTube video. Wait, let's go to YouTube together. I'm like, yeah, can't you just talk about your day? Can't you just. Isn't there something crazy that happened in school today you can discuss? But yeah, yeah, I'm with you. Of like, you don't want them to be behind. I also want my son to be in the know. You know, it's just part of the conversation. When kids are, like, talking about a funny video or something, well, they're just

[Rob]

forming habits that are healthy or not and realizing when the little one is getting upset because he doesn't have his iPad that he can watch something.

[David Farrier]

I find it so terrifying when I see people taking an iPad off a kid and they just flip out. Or a video game. It's kind of an amazing thing to see.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Holy. I mean, that doesn't feel right.

[Rob]

No.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I am proud that I have never. The rule for Everett, having a screen at someone else's house or at a restaurant. I'm very strict at a restaurant. There's no screens at a restaurant.

[Rob]

Yes, that's us, too.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And he.

[David Farrier]

He.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And he's fine with that. Unless. Here's the only time I'll bend the rule is if I am meeting a friend of mine. And I like, sorry, you have to come with me. And I'm. We're having, like, adult conversation. Not. Oh, my God, not rated R, but just, like, boring to him, you know, like, so he's got no chance to. I still. He has for the first hour. It's no screen. If we go over the hour. And we're just getting into it, my friend and I. And, like, what did he say to you? And then I'm like, here, fine. You can, like, watch something because he's just sitting there like, yeah, totally.

[David Farrier]

I feel like every generation has that panic. Right. Like, I feel like when I was growing up, it's like, TV is bad, you know? No, TV. TV's this big.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Don't be too close to the TV.

[David Farrier]

And now it's. Yeah. A screen thing. So whatever new technology is coming out. I feel like parents are also blaming that on them not being able to jump in and do the right parenting thing.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[Rob]

You know, how was navigating having a son at the same time as you were this character for other people's children? Was that tricky?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Was not so tricky. It was nice to have a point of reference. You know, they say in kids TV to imagine that the camera is one individual kid watching you. That's, like, the secret to, like, you know, talking to the lens. Like one child. And so how easy for me to be like Everett, you know, like my son. I would catch myself being silly in a way that my son loves me to be silly. So I was like, that's nice for me that I have this kid I can, like, yeah, have as inspiration or motivation, whatever. He never, ever cared that I played the character. To this day, he's still like, what? I. I've gone in for career day multiple times, and the first time I went in, the kids just know me as Everett's mom, and I'm like, hi, I'm an actor, writer, and you might know me from this character named Micah. And everyone's like, wait, what?

[David Farrier]

What?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Just watched everyone's brain explode because it's like, why would Micah be sitting in our classroom right now? This makes no sense looking like this, you know? And so they're just like, wait, whatever. That's your what? What? What? And then they had, like, hundreds of questions.

[David Farrier]

Like, that was my other question because I don't know the sort of audience you have a lot of kids watching you, obviously, as that character. Parents in the background as well. How often does it affect your life when you are on the show? And also now of people recognizing you because you're not in an outfit, you're more chill, you're not cartwheeling. What is that like?

[Caitlyn Becker]

For the most part, it's good. It's nice to be recognized for something positive. You know, people are always like, when they meet me, it's always a very lovely experience. There's only been A handful of, like, weird instances. But I am very aware of how I'm behaving now. Not like I'm some crazy lady out in New York, but like. Like, I like to have fun. Okay. And so if I. And I'm just like, yeah, no, okay.

[David Farrier]

Like, Mika can't be out there boozed on the street.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. You know, and what if I want to be? That's my. My choice. Leave me alone. So I'm. I am pretty, like, hyper aware, and I don't really like that, but I'm not, you know, I'm not like, no,

[David Farrier]

you've got this character you kind of need to protect still. Right? This character that still lives online and lives on these services.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. My sister came to town last year and she wanted to go to the Color Factory, which is like a very place in New York where you can. Every room is a different color. It's. It's like for Instagram, you know, there's a spot in each room to, like, get your picture. And it's. It's fun. And I had done an episode there. My sister didn't know that. And I was like, oh, gosh. And she was like, it looks cool. It looks cool. I want to go. So I'm like, okay. But I just don't want a lot of families to be like, what's up? When I'm having, like, sister time. Because all I'm gonna say is, maybe things happen before and after. And I'm vibing at the museum. Okay, so we go.

[Rob]

There it is. A color museum Col. Come on.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I was like, let's get into it. So I'm wearing a black hoodie and a hat, which is not crazy. Like, that's a look for me. It's pretty. I'm just like, hoodie and a hat and it's packed with families. And I'm just looking at my sister like, I told you. I told you. She's like, it's fine, it's fine. No one knows you. Like, no one knows you. I'm like, okay. So we go through the thing, the very end of the experience. There's a massive ball pit, which is very blippy brand. Like, there's so many episodes with ball pits. And I'm like, no, I forgot. No, I cannot be in a ball pit. It's too like, Mika's in a ball pit. So she's like, we have to get the ball pit picture. They have a spot where you, like, lay in the ball pit and there's a camera on the ceiling and it takes Your picture. And she's like, that's like the iconic picture. We have to get the picture. And I was like, ugh, fine. So I'm like shuffling through the balls,

[Rob]

cartwheeling, can't help it.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And I notice this mom and dad, they're just laser focused on me. And I was like, oh, no. I mean, I'm in a ball pit.

[Rob]

I think they've spot me.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I hear the mom say to her kid, go play with Micah. And I looked at my sister like, fuck you. Go play with Micah. I told you. And here comes this kid. I warned you two kids, they're running through the ball pit. And Mika, Mika, they get balls and they are chucking them at me. And so. So this is where I want to be. Like, don't throw a ball at me. But I have to. I'm like, everyone's staring at me like, that's Mika.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Micah can't do that. Micah can't with kids and m. Tripping balls.

[Rob]

M. Balls.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. So I turn around and I'm just like, hi, guys. And I'm like looking at my sister and it's like ball to the head part. And I turn around and I go, oh, don't do that. And the parents are just taking pictures and whatever. I said, don't do that. And they're just laughing, these little kids. And I said, no, don't do that. You're going to hurt me.

[David Farrier]

Yes.

[Caitlyn Becker]

And so I saw the dad, like coming over because he probably saw like, what is she saying to my kid? But why are you chucking a ball in my head? I thought they were gonna come over, just be like, are you, Mika? But they attacked.

[David Farrier]

Kids can be savages. And also somebody. You're not a real person in that point. You're a character where they get. It's like, Barney's in there, you know, or a Teletubby.

[Caitlyn Becker]

We gotta go, we gotta go. She's like, still laying there, like, I want to get the picture. And I'm like, oh, my God. But yeah, there are times when I'm just amazing out, like, having fun with friends. And I'm like, here. And I always know because no one is ever subtle. It's like, if you're me sitting at a bar, it'll be like, oh. And I'm like, hello.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And people turn weird once that happens. And then they're treating you like an

[Caitlyn Becker]

object, they'll cry, which is. And I'm just like, oh, my God.

[Rob]

They're like adults.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah, they'll cry and they'll be. Because they'll have some sweet story of like, my daughter never wanted to try this until the episode where you. Blah, blah. And I'm just like, oh, my God, I don't even remember that episode. But like, thank you for sharing that with me.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, what a world you got. You got sucked into and then just became this huge thing. And you can still observe this going on, you know? Yeah, it's wild.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It really is.

[David Farrier]

This whole thing is wild. It is.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It's so crazy.

[Rob]

You get that with tickling, right? You get tickled in public occasionally sometimes.

[David Farrier]

See, I made a tickling a documentary about like a fraudster tickling competition 10 years ago now. And that's my thing that people mostly would know me for because it's sort of like a weird.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Does it tickle you in public?

[David Farrier]

It's called competitive endurance. Tickling is what's the documentaries about. And so people will occasionally come up to me and go, tickle, tickle, tickle, and give me a tickle. And I mean, that's assault, you know? And Lord, she. For me, it's not children, it's adults. So I can just say, I mean, I'm a nice person. So I'm just like, please don't do that. Yeah, that's happened a few times and that is fine. Yeah, it's like, it's violating. I mean, it's assault. You've got kids throwing balls at you. Yeah, stop touching me. I'm not into this at all. But it's funny. But it also is also that thing of like, you know, I've seen it at. I've been to concerts with Rob and people know him from Armchair or this show and they do an eye and they'll lock in and they've got very specific questions because they have this relationship with you, you know, and it's weird. At least they're not tickling. You're getting balls thrown in your head. At least you have civil conversations, usually about your tattoos or about music.

[Rob]

A baby name, though, that I get called from grown ups.

[David Farrier]

Wobby Wob is him. So, yeah. So annoying. Oh, it's Wobby Wob. It's like. No, we're like adults. I'm Rob.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Tickle Tickle.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. No, we're all kind of like children infantized or something. It's like really weird. Wobby Wob. Tickle tickle. We're all living in this twisted, like fucked up alternate universe that we'll never sort of fully throw.

[Caitlyn Becker]

It's weird.

[David Farrier]

People can be people of Weird.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[Rob]

But we love it, too.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah. I was gonna say, but truly, because I don't.

[David Farrier]

Not that. Don't tickle me.

[Caitlyn Becker]

No, don't ever. Don't tickle. But, yeah, I always tell people, like, you can always come up and say

[David Farrier]

hi and it's done with love.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Like, it's so nice that it's a positive. It's a positive response. Can't complain about that.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Balls to the head. Annoying. But kids, we let them get away with stuff, don't we? You know, if it was adults throwing balls at your head and a. In a security. Yeah. Get them the hell out of there. Oh, my God. Is there anything you want to say? I feel like Vincent might be watching this. Is there anything you want to say to camera? Just to Vincent. Just to be, like, checking in?

[Caitlyn Becker]

Yes. Vincent. Hi. I can't believe you're four. You're a big kid now. Big kid status, bro. And it's okay that Blippi's your favorite because he is a boy. I totally get it. And we're still really good friends.

[David Farrier]

I loved her. She's amazing. And. What. I just think it's a really interesting existence she has where she's so connected with this character she made. She's no longer playing the character. And she still has people, I guess there obviously are. Because it was a huge. It's a huge thing coming up to her. And she's still filming videos with the likes of Ms. Rachel.

[Rob]

Yeah. I mean, I. I also love just the integrity that she had to. Why she left and completely. Because she didn't want to devalue this thing that she helped create.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. And it's not like she just created a name or a thing. It's like she'd created what she wears and how she talks and how she dances and the whole thing. The whole package. And I really like that conversation she had with her lawyer where the lawyer sort of put this in front of her. If they gave you a million, would you do it? And she's just clearly, no, not doing it. That kind of says it all.

[Rob]

Yeah. I mean, I love.

[David Farrier]

She's probably worth a lot more than a million, I would argue, as well.

[Rob]

Yes. Knowing what. Knowing the estimated value of some of the deals around these companies and these characters.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, completely.

[Rob]

But it. It's always just so refreshing to meet people like that within a creative space that are seemingly just doing it for much more pure reasons and not financially. Fully financially motivated.

[David Farrier]

You're doing it for the love of the whole thing, I think. Also kind of the fact she was raising a son at the same time. She's sort of doing this. That's really fascinating. And also just really. I really love that story about being in the ball pit and just having to deal with some incredibly insufferable children and not being able to. You just gotta be nice. You've always gotta be nice because you come from this beautiful Persona that still exists online and people are still discovering and we'll be discovering for the next 20 years. It's kind of a mad situation to be in.

[Rob]

I mean, it's also just because she's a good person. Kid's throwing a ball at me. I'm not gonna curse.

[David Farrier]

Kid threw a ball at my head in a ball pit. Furious. I'm cussing them out. It's not happening. Also, I didn't understand that she had such a close relationship with Ms. Rachel that that is. Was such. I guess, just shooting with her and then also becoming such good friends. That's also incredibly surreal because you talked about the world of these creators at the beginning and the fact that they all sort of seem to know each other as well, which sort of makes sense, but just know each other so well.

[Rob]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And that it's not competitive and that there is this camaraderie between them. I mean, and Ms. Rachel's another one that seems to just be doing it out of pure goodness. And I don't. I don't believe she is sold to any of these big places. I think she's still just making videos that she wants when. On her own time. And.

[David Farrier]

And also with no fear of anything. You know, briefly spoke about this before, but at the. The height of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, you know, she was calling that out for. For being a genocide before anyone, certainly anyone with her sort of following, certainly in the world of children's tv, was even bringing up, like, that's a bold ass move to do.

[Rob]

Yeah. I mean, given how controversial it was for anyone to bring it up with something to lose going into this world that is children's content. That is definitely not politicized and being like, oh, this isn't a political thing.

[David Farrier]

No.

[Rob]

This is about children.

[David Farrier]

No. She saw a literal genocide of children. She's a children's. She caters to children. And not to turn a blind eye to that when most of the world was huge. And of course she would lose viewers from that. There'd be parents watching that are like, no, our kid is no longer watching that shit ever.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Did it.

[Rob]

Anyway, I looked into her advocacy work. There so be. She began Speaking out in May 2024. Participated in a Save the Children fundraiser that was for kids in conflict zones. And immediately got backlash for doing it.

[David Farrier]

Just for that.

[Rob]

Yeah. In which she came out and said her care for children doesn't stop at any border. That she treats it as a professional moral extension, not partisan politics.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Kids.

[Rob]

And then she has since become an ambassador for the Palestinian. Become an ambassador for Palestine. Children's Relief Fund helped connect and publicize the story of a little girl named Rahaf. 3 year old. Who lost both legs in a bombing.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

And then was evacuated to the U.S. yeah. I remember seeing videos of Ms. Rachel with this little girl.

[David Farrier]

That's how she came across. My radar was for the advocacy work. And also it's kind of mad to think that people are coming up to her for daring to speak on behalf of kids who are losing their legs.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Come again? Why are we arguing about this?

[Rob]

And she said she'd risk her career over and over for this advocacy. Acknowledged pushback from financial backers and just doesn't care. She also stated July 2025 she won't work with people who haven't spoken out against it.

[David Farrier]

Respect. That's so. That's so cool to see.

[Rob]

And then additional advocacy work around immigration and ice. She's spoken out against ice detaining children. Launched petition to close one of the facilities in Texas and gathered over 300,000 signatures. And just June of this year went to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers with letters and drawings from children from ICE custody.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Incredible. So it's also such a logical thing. Like it's such a smart way to use her platform because it's kids. She caters to kids. And it's like where are kids? Most being shit on that I can help with right now.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And she dives straight in. Which is bonkers.

[Rob]

Yeah. I mean Ms. Rachel sounds incredible. I liked her before.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

And over the last couple years of seeing this has made me like her even more.

[David Farrier]

Up and up and up.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And also. I don't know. I also like that there's no bitterness in this world that we've seen just now. It all feels like pretty good. And opposite end to the AI slop that kids can potentially be watching.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

I don't know. I'm very cynical. I feel it's nice to know that there's a world in here that seems quite. There's goodwill in it.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

It's not just out to make a buck.

[Rob]

Which though, I mean listening to Caitlyn and Mika's story is a little bit on the other side of that.

[David Farrier]

Oh, no. Also people being hideously burned completely from a corporate side. But I just think her attitude to that, the fact she wasn't in here, like, ranting and raving is like. She is. Yeah, I admire that a lot.

[Rob]

I mean, it's who you want to be making content that's going to help shape your children completely. So, yeah, for me, it's great knowing that Vincent watched this and it's coming from people that are seeming seemingly that good.

[David Farrier]

And also leave very cute messages for your children, which is like the best thing in the world. Speaking of influences on children, I did a bit of Googling.

[Rob]

I'm Blippi.

[David Farrier]

I'm Blippi. Recently, I want to address the. The Blippi, AKA Stephen John controversy that I kind of referenced earlier in the show, but couldn't quite remember what had happened.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

So, yeah, we'll.

[Rob]

We'll get comments about it. So let's.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, there was some controversy. It was in 2013, so before John was Blippi, he had a different Persona called Steezy Grossman, which is. You'll see.

[Rob]

We're going in.

[David Farrier]

And in 2013, there was a huge viral trend called the Harlem Shake, which I'd actually forgotten exactly what the Harlem Shake was, but it was basically like, it's a line from the Harlem Shake Dance and the song. It's. You're watching a video of, like, a calm moment, then there's a jump cut.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And everyone is chaotic. And the song Chaotic Harlem Shake. And these videos were everywhere. It was a huge viral sensation. Before Bippy was boopy, he did a Harlem Shake video. And the big reveal, the big jump cut was him taking a shit on his friend. He made that video as this other sort of character that was outed in 2019 when he was now Blippi. Huge controversy over that. A lot of parents didn't like the idea that this. This child's entertainer in a past iteration of his life had taken a shit on someone, which I can kind of. It's very funny to me that this happens.

[Rob]

Funny to me. I mean, the expectation of purity from which. I mean, this is the flip side of what we were just saying that we loved that.

[David Farrier]

Pure and great and perfect.

[Rob]

These people are Caitlin and me, which I was trying to be a little careful saying that because I think the expectation that they have to be isn't fair. Especially knowing Caitlyn.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

Too. And that the weight that she should feel as a children's entertainer Completely.

[David Farrier]

When she's an adult and she wants to be able to go and have a nice time out with her friends and not be judged constantly.

[Rob]

But then also a video of a man like that doesn't. I find it very funny. There's much. I guess there's much worse things he couldn't. That would have been more problematic if there was racial stuff.

[David Farrier]

Oh, this is. No, I'm incredible. I mean, this wasn't someone. So essentially it's funny to me because you've got. It's a Jackass style stunt. Yeah, we both watched Jackass recently of people shooting on each other there. It's just a very funny fact that it's a children's entertainer who people hadn't thought about his previous iterations on YouTube. Two consenting adults taking a shit on one another. It's very funny. It's a really graphic full on video. It's shocking. It's shocking. You're not expecting it to happen. That's what made the video go viral originally.

[Rob]

But a kid watching Blippi is like, maybe don't put that on the same YouTube channel. You're not going to run into that video. Hopefully.

[David Farrier]

No. Well, the other thing is he took this incredibly seriously and he spent a lot of money, I understand, to issue takedown notices to all the places hosting the video, getting it basically nuked from the Internet, partly for his own image, but also partly because he didn't want kids coming across this thing. Because when it was reported on, suddenly you Google his name and that you Google Blippi and Harlem Shake will come up. He didn't want people doing that and clicking on the video. Yeah, clearly it's nuked. But I just wanted to address that because I find it hilarious. And that will chase that particular actor for the rest of his life. Like that will always be there.

[Rob]

Which I wonder too, if that came out in 2019, all of the acquisitions. 2021, 2022, whether that would have happened

[David Farrier]

if that video had come out earlier,

[Rob]

if it was a factor in him selling and stepping down.

[David Farrier]

Interesting.

[Rob]

And coming out of the limelight because yeah, that's going to be a traumatizing thing that every. You're going to get a comment about that.

[David Farrier]

Every time he posts on social media, there'll be a comment in there going, harlem Shake question mark for the rest of his life.

[Rob]

I mean, and every time someone adjacent goes on a podcast, it's going to

[David Farrier]

be brought up, it's going to be erased, which would be so fucking annoying as we do it the other thought I had in that world is. Yeah. I. Because I vaguely remember when that news dropped and I was like, is this appropriate in hindsight? I don't give a shit about it. And I also think of various people running in politics at the moment and the shit that comes up from their past. Things like sexual assault, rape, all these things. I mean, we've got a president. Right. Like we've got people running for Senate and the Democrats. Same thing. All this shit comes up. If two grown men want to do a jackass style stunt, I could care less. Shits the people we have in political power here.

[Rob]

Yeah. Their morals are more guiding to our country.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. It's very funny what people get outraged with and what jumps and who they.

[Rob]

Who they decide to hold these standards.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Completely loved her. Feel slightly more educated about the world of children's online education, which is just a word I don't understand. I feel coming out of it less cynical than I did going in.

[Rob]

Me too. I also feel very grateful that I'm seemingly exiting that world a bit too. Vinnie's. Vinny's getting older and no longer needs.

[David Farrier]

Yeah.

[Rob]

Those types of videos.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. As a parent, you're kind of trapped in this weird limbo zone. Right. For a while of like having to deal with these forms of entertainment that are deeply strange to engage with as an adult.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Like the unboxing videos.

[Rob]

Yeah. But I will say, like, there was a lot worse content like there was a lot worse content that he. That Calvin and him could have been consuming at that age. And I was appreciative of this. Seems educational. They seem to be learning. They seem to be engaging in this. And it wasn't this weird hypnotism of yeah, here's slop that I am. Just the colors and the music and this is. I'm in a trance watching this.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. Completely.

[Rob]

Like there's not. There's nothing. My. My heart warms a bit every time I see Vinnie watching something and he is interacting when it is like a math problem on the screen or making colors and I see him engaged and excitedly yelling green and.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, that's more. Yeah. I don't want to take this to a dark place. I always tend to do this with things. But it also makes. Just as far as kids being on YouTube and looking at things. I wrote a story probably 10 years ago now. I guess I just want to say watch your kids on YouTube and don't let them create shit as well. I did an article about a series like how, you know that challenge craze get challenged to do this ice bucket challenge is a great example. It's still a thing, the whole challenge phenomenon. But I came across a part of YouTube where you basically had adults who were pitching challenges, but to kids, but just to get content for their own. Their own sort of various sexual desires, essentially. And I looked into an area which was basically adults who were getting kids to do the LEGO challenge, for instance, and that was getting kids to walk barefoot across Lego pieces. Because the gag is, you know, you step on Lego, it hurts. Right. So there was this challenge that went viral a long time ago now. Yeah. But then, you know, kids are like, there's a bunch of kids on YouTube that were creating these challenge videos. I'm going to walk across my Lego

[Rob]

collection, submissions to the challenge.

[David Farrier]

So a kid does it. They submit it. I came across a bunch of adults who had channels, not channels, sorry, playlists, that were basically comping all of these kid videos into one place. In a video that might seem innocent, which is a kid walking barefoot across Lego, when you see that in a playlist that an adult's made of 200 of the same thing that is used as fetish content. Yeah, that's super dark.

[Rob]

Yeah, that's awesome.

[David Farrier]

My point is, and I don't mean to bring this down, but think what your kids are watching, especially if they're clicking on the next video. And don't fucking let your kids make shit for YouTube unsupervised and take part in even stuff that seems super innocent, like a challenge video. Because I just always think there's always. Whatever you post online, I'm ranting and raving. You post your kid online. Like someone can use that in a way you don't expect as well. Be careful on the Internet, is what I'm saying. Should we do some feedback?

[Rob]

Let's do some feedback.

[David Farrier]

Didn't mean to take it dark.

[Rob]

You cut off your soapbox.

[David Farrier]

I'm off my soapbox. We have a little bit of feedback. I mean, we've got a lot of feedback. Too much feedback at the moment. Flightless breadchatmail.com Adrian wrote in, just listen to the New York trash episode, and I need to correct a huge oversight. And I knew about this going in because I'd seen a plaque on the bridge and got lectured about it at the time. Completely forgot straight away. John Roebling did not, I repeat, did not engineer the Brooklyn Bridge. He began the Brooklyn Bridge, but he died before the majority of the design happened. Washington Roebling, his son, took over as chief engineer, but developed decompression sickness, which is directly related to construction of the bridge. From what I understand, it's similar to the bends and changing atmospheric pressures from going deep underwater and breathing through compressed air goes very badly when you come up too quickly. He was bedridden at this point, and this is a key point. In this email, his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, stepped in to quietly take over the project so that no one would know that Washington wasn't heading up the project. She spent 14 years teaching herself the mathematics, structural engineering and cable construction needed and is, in very real terms, the actual chief engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge. That's fucking cool.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

And they have a plaque on the bridge that has her name on it.

[Rob]

That's awesome. Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. You Google in Brooklyn Bridge, you get her husband's name.

[Rob]

The idea of also having to go underwater to build the pillar. It sounds terrifying.

[David Farrier]

I still don't.

[Rob]

That's mostly what I took out of that was how scary that sounds.

[David Farrier]

Freaking terrifying.

[Rob]

Yeah.

[David Farrier]

Also just for her to take over when, like, your husband's fucked up, like, your son is messed up, he's bedridden.

[Rob]

But she wants to finish this project.

[David Farrier]

14 years teaching herself all that and largely ignored, including on our podcast the other day.

[Rob]

Well, that was not about the bridge.

[David Farrier]

It's true. It was about a woman.

[Rob]

It was about New York trash was about trash that then pivoted to locks on a bridge.

[David Farrier]

I was surprised more people weren't upset about the locks being cut off. I thought there'd be more people going, this is love. You're disrupting love. But people are largely behind her. I'm behind her. Don't put a lock on a bridge. Jenny says, I'm going to get a

[Rob]

lock with your name on it.

[David Farrier]

Yeah, put it on.

[Rob]

Put it on the bridge. When I'm there next week.

[David Farrier]

I am a waste consultant in Portland and I really enjoyed the New York Trash episode. There's so much that I could get into about American municipal waste systems, but I will just leave the following comments. For those stinky count, this is the tip section. A flightless bird for those stinky countertop compost pails. Keep them in the freezer and it will stop any smell or bugs. When the pail is full, just pull the frozen food scraps into your curbside cart. Peppermint oil also keep bugs away. There you go. In regards to your conversation on does anything get recycled? You may be interested to know that both California and New York have recently passed extended producer responsibility laws to help improve the sad state of our recycling systems. Basically, this requires a packaging manufacturer to pay more to produce an item that is not on the stateside accepted materials list for curbside recycling. Those fees are meant to then cover the cost of increasing and improving recycling infrastructure in that state. That makes a really good point.

[Rob]

More sense to figure it out on the business end.

[David Farrier]

Yeah. The people that are spitting this shit

[Rob]

out to make the product more recyclable.

[David Farrier]

I really like that.

[Rob]

Than to put it fully on the consumer completely.

[David Farrier]

This is the thing. Like people are stressed at the moment. Like it's thinking about this stuff. Like recycling at the end of your day is like, what the fuck am I doing?

[Rob]

I mean, but also, you should still recycle.

[David Farrier]

You should still recycle compost. We are not an anti recycling podcast like to make that very clear. Nicole said. I was kind of meh about listening to the OC episode as the TV show wasn't on my radar living between the UK and Brisbane, Australia in 2003. But I did watch Rachel Bilson in Heart of Dixie. So I thought to choose Flightless Bird for my commute home. Firstly, what a delight she is. I love how down to earth she is and how genuine. She seems to have genuine affection for Rob and you could feel it through the gentle teasing they give each other. I got home and thought, ah, I'll give the OC a go. Hooked. It's so good. I'm glad we introduced you to the O.C. nicole.

[Rob]

Welcome. Welcome to the O.C.

[David Farrier]

i'm going to end this episode on an episode suggestion. Just so I think it's kind of like left field and I find it quite funny. And I like birds. Jessica says the ivory woodpecker, she put a space between wood and pecker. So I said it like that. I say woodpecker. Yeah, the Ivory Bill woodpecker could fall into two categories for a show. It's very American with it being the largest woodpecker in North America. And it inspired the iconic cartoon Woody the Woodpecker. It also falls into conspiracy theories or folklore as the bird is considered extinct. But many of us believe it is not extinct. This is the area of cryptozoology, which I'm very excited by. Cryptozoology, obviously Bigfoot, things that we've never seen before.

[Rob]

Wait, so just this species of woodpecker. All woodpeckers?

[David Farrier]

No, not woodpeckers, because I've seen a

[Rob]

shit ton of woodpeckers. Right?

[David Farrier]

No, just the Ivory Boat woodpecker. So cryptozoology, it's about things that we've never known before or Things that we thought were extinct that actually aren't. This is where the ivory bill woodpecker comes in. Many of us believe it is not extinct, with some believing that it'd be sightings of it in 2023. But it's debated because the ivory bill looks very similar to the pileated woodpecker, which is what we probably see around the place. I'm no expert, just someone who believes it's still there. So look, keep an eye out for a flightless bird on the ivory bill woodpecker. And if you see an ivory bill woodpecker, email us flightlessbirdchatmail.com yeah, take some pictures.

[Rob]

Maybe take some pictures. Record yourself observing it.

[David Farrier]

Yes, we want to see the behavior. We want to hear the bird song to prove that it is the ivory bill and not the common woodpecker. We're also on Patreon. We have a bonus episode out this week. As always, a lot of discussion going on there. That is patreon.com flight this bird.

[Rob]

And if you to. If you want to listen or watch us with less ads, you can do that on Spotify or no ads on Patreon. Yes, pick your poison.

[David Farrier]

Pick your poison and go and watch some children's tv. But make sure it's a good shit, not the AI stuff.

[Rob]

Yeah, no unboxing.

[David Farrier]

No unboxing. Don't let your little kid learn to be a consumer later. Not when they're like 2 years old.

[Rob]

No, this is for you to consume, not with your children.

[David Farrier]

Oh, yeah, just on. Yeah.

[Rob]

Go watch some original Mika.

[David Farrier]

I'm gonna watch some original Mika. Okay, see you next week.

[Rob]

See you next week. I'm not giving up.

[Caitlyn Becker]

I am selling the building. The final season of FX is the Bear. The restaurant is flooded.

[David Farrier]

Everything's either gonna be okay.

[Caitlyn Becker]

Nope. Stop.

[Rob]

Or not. We are outgunned and we are outmanned,

[David Farrier]

but we have each other.

[Rob]

FX's the Bear the final season, all episodes now streaming on Disney. Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now, I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back.

[David Farrier]

So I thought it would be fun

[Rob]

if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal.

[David Farrier]

So there goes my big idea for the commercial.

[Rob]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Caitlyn Becker]

of $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for a 12 month plan required. $15 per month equivalent to taxes and fees. Extra initial planned term only greater than 50 gigs. Me slow when network is busy see terms.