Podcast Summary: The Ten News – "Animals in the News, Media Madness, and Dino Discoveries"

Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Small But Mighty Media
Featured Voices: Pamela Kirkland, Ryan Willard, Owen

Episode Overview

This engaging episode of The Ten News offers a whirlwind tour through recent events, scientific discoveries, and quirky news stories, all designed to pique kids' curiosity about the world around them. From tributes to beloved animals and incredible dinosaur discoveries to discussions about media literacy and technology, the hosts keep the pace lively and the topics accessible, with plenty of humor and relatable asides.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Claude the Albino Alligator’s Legacy

[00:49]

• Pamela shares the sad news of Claude, a rare albino alligator and San Francisco icon, who passed away at age 30.
• Background: Born in 1995 in Louisiana, Claude became a much-loved mascot at the California Academy of Sciences, frequently featured in city ads and children’s books.
• Memorable Moment: “To Claude and his fans, this isn't goodbye. It's just see you later, alligator.” — Pamela [01:42]

2. Dramatic Pet Rescue at Sea

[01:45]

• Ryan recounts the thrilling rescue of Sadie, a Labrador mix, who was swept out to sea in San Diego.
• Details: Thanks to her GPS tag, a search ensued involving local rescuers and the Coast Guard. After an hour, Sadie was saved almost a mile from shore and reunited with her relieved owners.

3. Tech & Media Madness: Screen Time Underwater

[02:29]

• Pamela highlights a viral video from Australia featuring a woman swimming backstroke while scrolling her phone — sparking a conversation on society’s screen addiction.
• Quote: “A little screen time is fine, but come on people, set some boundaries. Enjoy the moment.” — Pamela [03:08]

4. Teens & Trust in News Media

[03:11]

• Ryan introduces a study revealing that American teens (ages 13–18) largely distrust news media, using words like “fake, boring, confusing, and biased.”
• Only a third believe journalists check their facts or fix mistakes.
• Mission Statement: “This study is precisely why The Ten News exists. To report the news in a digestible, factual way for our tenors…” — Ryan [03:50]

5. Press Freedom Controversy: NYT vs. Pentagon

[04:02]

• Pamela shares the story of The New York Times suing the Pentagon over restrictive new media-access policies.
• Notable Moment: “When Fox News and CNN agree on something, you know it’s serious.” — Ryan [04:50]
• Major networks have given up their press passes in protest; the case raises constitutional questions about freedom of the press.

6. Pokemon Card Mania: Record-Breaking Trade

[05:29]

• Ryan reports that a holographic Gengar card in “mint condition” was traded at GameStop for $30,494 — the store’s highest value card trade ever.
• Background: The card was part of the Power Packs program and will now become available for future collectors.

7. Monumental Dinosaur Discovery in Bolivia

[06:22]

• Pamela dives into the record-breaking find of nearly 18,000 dinosaur tracks at Carreras Pampas in Bolivia.
• Key Data: The tracks date from 145 to 66 million years ago, representing mostly theropods and birds, with both footprints and rare swim tracks.
• Quote: "Carreras Pampas is home to the highest number of dinosaur trackways, the most preserved dinosaur footprints, and the highest number of preserved continuous dinosaur swim trackways in the world.” — Pamela [07:12]

8. Astronomy Corner: Geminid Meteor Shower

[07:24]

• Ryan explains the annual Geminid Meteor Shower (active Dec 4–20, peak Dec 13–14).
• Viewing Tips: Best after 10pm, away from city lights; possible to see up to 150 meteors/hour, more likely 40–50.

9. History Flashback: Did Volcanoes Trigger the Black Death?

[08:09]

• Pamela presents new research suggesting that volcanic eruptions may have contributed to the spread of the Black Death in 14th-century Europe.
• Mechanism: Climate changes caused by eruptions allowed plague-carrying fleas to flourish and disrupted grain harvests, leading to increased grain imports — and the spread of the plague.
• Insight: Illustrates how climate change can drastically affect ecosystems and societies.

10. Pop Culture Trivia & Spotify Records

[09:34]

• Owen hosts a trivia segment about Spotify’s most-streamed artist, revealing:
  • Answer: Bad Bunny has been Spotify’s top artist globally for 2025 (and previous years), surpassing Taylor Swift's recent wins.

Listener Mail & Lighthearted Moments

“Ten New Snaps” and Family Shout-Outs

[11:16]

• The hosts read a family review featuring members honorarily called Butterfly, Snake, Cat, and Unicorn.
• Favorite line: “Might be one of the coolest families I've ever heard of. Except for the, you know…” — Ryan [11:50]

Notable Quotes

• “A room is always messiest right before it is clean.” — Ryan Willard [00:08]
• “That card was in mint condition, right?” — Pamela Kirkland [00:25]
• “I also don't like spiders.” — Unicorn (Listener), read by Ryan [11:48]

Fun & Relatable Bloopers

• Pokemon Card Mishap: “It was actually in sid condition because when my little sister Sydney was five, she thought Jigglypuff looked like candy and ate half the card.” — Ryan Willard [10:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-----------| | Claude the Albino Alligator | 00:49 | | Ocean Rescue: Sadie the Dog | 01:45 | | Tech Addiction: Scrolling & Swimming | 02:29 | | Teens Distrust the News | 03:11 | | NYT Sues Pentagon | 04:02 | | Pokemon Card Record | 05:29 | | Dinosaur Tracks Discovery | 06:22 | | Geminid Meteor Shower | 07:24 | | Volcanic Eruptions & Black Death | 08:09 | | Spotify Trivia | 09:34 | | Funny Pokemon Card Anecdote | 10:45 | | Listener Mail: Family Review | 11:16 |

Tone & Delivery

The episode’s tone is upbeat and playful, mixing awe-inspiring science with quirky real-life stories and plenty of laughs. The hosts keep things family-friendly, often pausing for relatable side conversations that echo many families’ lived experiences.

Final Takeaway

This episode balances world news, science, and light-hearted banter, serving as a fun and informative way for kids and their adults to dive into current events and discoveries. The hosts’ genuine curiosity, humor, and rapport make even complex topics accessible and entertaining.

For more curiosity-sparking stories, check out more episodes of The Ten News!