Podcast Summary: A Ten'er Takeover: The Kid's Choice Episode

The Ten News, News For Curious Kids
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Small But Mighty Media

Overview: The Kid’s Choice Ten’er Takeover

This special episode of The Ten News features a full “Ten’er Takeover,” where the show’s young listeners—known as “Ten’ers”—step in to share news on topics they’ve specifically requested. Instead of the usual hosts, a vibrant kid panel (Sasha, Owen, Sadie, Maddie, Everett, and special guest Zach) tackles everything from animal news and space science to indie games, acts of kindness, and a Lord of the Rings trivia showdown. The episode is lively, interactive, and packed with fun facts, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for kids and their grown-ups.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ten’ers Take Over! [01:13–01:47]

• The regular hosts receive “day off” gifts and leave, making way for the Ten’ers.
• Sasha, Owen, Sadie, Maddie, and Everett introduce themselves and take charge.
• Quote:
  • Sasha: “Alright, we’re clear. Pim and Ryan have left the building.” [01:05]
  • Owen: “Let’s get this tenor takeover underway.” [01:22]

2. By Popular Demand: Animal News—Claude the Albino Alligator [02:03–03:56]

• Multiple listeners wanted more animal stories, kicked off by a request from Luna.
• The group commemorates the passing of Claude, the famous albino alligator from California Academy of Sciences, who lived to be 30.
• Claude Facts:
  • Albino alligators lack melanin, making them extra rare—around 100 exist worldwide.
  • Being albino is a recessive genetic trait, requiring both parents to have the gene.
  • Their pale skin makes them vulnerable to predators and sunburn in the wild; captivity keeps them safer.
• Quotes:
  • Sadie: “Claude the albino alligator passed away at the age of 30 years old… an absolute icon in San Francisco.” [02:17]
  • Maddie: “It’s actually safer for an albino alligator to live in captivity… humans can tend to their special needs and help them survive and live longer.” [03:36]
  • Owen: “Claude, we will miss you very much. Thank you for being the sweetest alligator I’ve ever seen.” [03:48]

3. Out of This World: Space Exploration Updates [03:57–06:21]

By request from The Elemental Master:

• Russian Launch Mishap:

  • Mishap at a Russian launch pad after a Soyuz mission threatens plans to supply the International Space Station.
  • Repairs will delay future launches and could impact fuel deliveries to the ISS.
  • Quote:
    • Sadie: “Their next mission will certainly be delayed.” [04:55]

• Space Gum on Asteroid Bennu:

  • NASA discovers sugars and a “gum-like substance” never before seen on asteroids, which could help scientists understand the origins of life.
  • Quote:
    • Sasha: “Would you like to try space gum?”
    • Maddie: “I’m good. I think I’ll stick to my bubble gum…” [05:36]

• Artemis II Moon Mission:

  • NASA plans to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in 50 years; mission likely launching as early as February.
  • No landing, but the farthest humans will have traveled into space.
  • Quote:
    • Everett: “NASA hopes to send astronauts on a 10 day trip around the moon as early as February… Artemis II will be the second launch of the Artemis program with hopes to land astronauts on the moon and eventually establish a long term presence on it.” [05:36]

4. Spotlight: Kindness Superheroes—Jack & Veda Virgo [06:21–07:28]

• Profile of young siblings Jack and Veda, who lead the “25 Days of Kindness” project: performing a kind act every day for a month.
• Jack’s 10th year running the project, Veda’s first; they also craft friendship bracelets for donors.
• Quote:
  • Owen: “Kindness plus friendship equals unbeatable combo.” [07:06]
  • “Want to cheer them on or get inspired for your own acts of good? …ergosgiveback25 and maybe start your own kindness streak.” [07:10]

5. Most Wanted: Top Indie Video Games of 2025 [07:28–10:25]

• Multiple requests wanted more video game coverage—especially indie games.

Everett and Sasha’s Top 3 Indie Games:

1. Deltarune Chapters 3 & 4

   • Sequel to Undertale, retro RPG style, acclaimed story and music by Toby Fox (who also composed for Pokémon).
   • [08:04] Maddie: “Deltarune takes inspiration from vintage Super Nintendo games… amazing story. I highly recommend it.”

2. Hades II

   • Hotly anticipated sequel by Supergiant Games, set in Greek mythology—players challenge Kronos, God of Time.
   • Roguelike gameplay lets you mix-and-match gods’ powers each run.
   • Fun Fact: The composer, Darren Korb, voices Zagreus.
   • [08:44] Sasha: “The sequel does not disappoint… it’s all centered around Greek mythology. You’re going up against Kronos, the God of time who has imprisoned your family and taken over Mount Olympus.”

3. Hollow Knight: Silksong

   • Long-awaited sequel to indie favorite Hollow Knight; caused massive online store outages at launch.
   • Challenging side-scroller (Metroidvania) with hand-drawn art, tight gameplay, and a “banger” soundtrack.
   • [09:28] Everett: “Silksong is a 2D side scrolling Metroidvania with incredible hand drawn art… Fair warning though, Hollow Knight Silksong is not easy at all… it’s my highest recommended game of 2025.”

6. Trivia Time: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Name [10:25–11:49]

• A fun trivia segment requested by listener Hallbrand Sauron focusing on Lord of the Rings and its author.
• Question: What does J.R.R. stand for?
  • Correct Answer: “John Ronald Ruel.”
  • Host’s personal connection: “His family called him Ronald… my mom chose my name too.”
  • [11:49] Zach: “The answer is D: The author of the Lord of the Rings’ full name is John Ronald Ruel Tolkien.”

7. Ten’er Snaps and Listener Shout-Outs [12:27–13:54]

• The hosts read listener comments and requests, including aspirations for future episodes (e.g., requests for “Legend of Tears of the Kingdom” and more about butterflies).
• Personal holiday wishes and stories—kids share book exchanges, favorite gifts, and hopes for a white Christmas.
• Quote:
  • Everett: “Next Ten’er Takeover, I definitely do a segment on Tears of the Kingdom and I don’t know Triforce Hero, but I think butterflies are pretty cool, man.” [12:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Claude, we will miss you very much. Thank you for being the sweetest alligator I’ve ever seen.” — Owen [03:48]
• “Kindness plus friendship equals unbeatable combo.” — Owen [07:06]
• “Silksong is not easy at all. It’s one of the most challenging games I’ve ever played, but honestly, I’m not mad at it.” — Everett [09:28]
• “The answer is D: The author of the Lord of the Rings’ full name is John Ronald Ruel Tolkien.” — Zach [11:49]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ten’er Takeover Begins: [01:13]
• Animal News—Claude the Alligator: [02:03–03:56]
• Space Exploration: [03:57–06:21]
• Acts of Kindness Feature: [06:21–07:28]
• Indie Games of the Year: [07:28–10:25]
• Lord of the Rings Trivia: [10:25–11:49]
• Listener Snaps & Requests: [12:27–13:54]

Tone & Style

• Friendly, upbeat, and approachable; the kid hosts speak with energy, excitement, and relatable curiosity.
• Emphasizes both fun and education, with voices offering personal anecdotes and genuine enthusiasm for the topics.

For Listeners

If you haven’t tuned in, this episode is a perfect example of how The Ten News lets young voices guide the show—balancing news with inspiration, fun facts, and direct responses to kid listeners’ interests. Whether you love animals, science, gaming, or stories, this hour is filled with engaging and positive content for curious kids and families.