Podcast Summary: The Ten News – “Big Wins, A New Barbie, and Cookie Comebacks”
Date: January 22, 2026
Hosts: Pamela Kirkland & Ryan Willard
Episode Overview
This episode of The Ten News delivers a kid-friendly briefing on significant current events. Pamela and Ryan discuss MLK Day, a historic college football victory, major news on transgender athletes, Mattel’s new inclusive Barbie, extraordinary weather in California and Brazil, a new astronomical discovery, genius dogs, and a taste of Girl Scout cookie season. The show wraps up with their signature enthusiastic, interactive style, making big world topics accessible for younger audiences.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
[00:57]
- Pamela recaps the significance of MLK Day, explaining Dr. King’s legacy of peaceful protest and equality.
- She reflects on the holiday’s purpose:
“Today, this day reminds us all that peaceful action and kindness can help create big change.” — Pamela Kirkland [01:41]
2. Indiana University’s Big Football Win
[01:42]
- Ryan recounts the College Football Playoff: Indiana Hoosiers’ first-ever national championship (27–21 vs. Miami).
- Highlights charm through a kid’s story:
“Nine-year-old Jack Gibson… even wrote to Governor Mike Braun asking for a two hour delay on January 20th so students like him could stay up and watch the game.” — Ryan Willard [02:12]
- No school delay granted, but a win for the team!
3. Supreme Court To Decide on Transgender Athlete Participation
[02:28]
- Pamela breaks down the Supreme Court’s first case on whether transgender girls can participate on girls’/women’s sports teams.
- Important stats:
“…Estimated 122,000 transgender American teens who participate in high school sports… this could affect a lot of kids in sports.” — Pamela Kirkland [03:20]
- Decision expected by the end of June 2026.
4. Mattel Launches Autistic Barbie & Nintendo’s “My Mario”
[03:34]
- Ryan describes Mattel’s ongoing push for inclusivity—explaining the newly launched Autistic Barbie, created with input from the autistic community.
- Features: sensory-friendly clothing, fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, tablet accessory.
“This new Barbie showcases diversity and inclusion and represents the autistic community...” — Ryan Willard [03:52]
- Switches to Nintendo’s major launch: the “My Mario” collection, debuting in February 2026 with books, plush toys, and block sets.
- Fun note: Ryan expresses playful excitement for toys:
“And now I want to play with some toys.” [05:08]
- Fun note: Ryan expresses playful excitement for toys:
5. Major Weather Updates: California Drought Over, Brazil Heatwave
[05:38]
- Pamela and Ryan react to dramatic weather in California:
- December/January storms ended the state’s 25-year drought for the first time since December 2000.
“These winter storms have made the state of California completely free of drought for the first time in 25 years.” — Pamela Kirkland [06:13]
- Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro faced extreme heat, zoo animals received popsicle treats:
“They received an ice diet tailored to their species’ needs, like jaguars getting to fish out ground chicken popsicles… monkeys were given watermelon popsicles to enjoy.” — Ryan Willard [06:49]
6. Genius Dogs Learn Words Like Kids
[07:10]
- Analysis of a new Science journal study: some dogs (notably border collies) pick up language “just by overhearing” human conversations, using social cues.
“Researchers think this shows that a few special canines can understand words by using social cues, just as kids learn language.” — Pamela Kirkland [07:38]
- Infectious enthusiasm:
“Dogs are just plain awesome.” — Ryan Willard [07:48]
7. New Astronomical Phenomenon: “Cloud 9”
[07:48]
- NASA debuts “Cloud 9,” a starless, hydrogen- and dark matter-rich cloud, 14 million light years away—an unprecedented discovery.
- Core: neutral hydrogen, 1 million times the mass of the sun.
“It’s the first time something like this has been confirmed to exist.” — Ryan Willard [08:06]
- Ryan jokes about visiting:
“I used to think I wanted to go to Cloud 9, but now that I know that it’s Dark Matter, I think I’m okay just looking at pictures.” — Ryan Willard [08:49]
8. Girl Scout Cookie Comeback & Trivia
[09:07]
- Owen takes over for a trivia moment: which Girl Scout cookie is the all-time bestseller?
- Correct answer: Thin Mints.
“Thin Mints are the best selling Girl Scout cookies. But that could change this year with a new flavor entering the chat — Exploramos!” — Owen [09:23]
- New flavor, “Exploramos,” features chocolate, almond cream, and a nod to Rocky Road ice cream.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Good gravy.” — Ryan Willard, expressing surprise at busy news [00:35]
- “Order in the court. Court is now in session.” — Ryan Willard, segueing to Supreme Court topic [02:23]
- “Wait, I love watermelon popsicles.” — Pamela Kirkland, in response to Brazil’s zoo treats [07:03]
- “Dogs are just plain awesome.” — Ryan Willard [07:48]
- “I know a girl.” — Pamela Kirkland, joking about Girl Scout cookie connections [10:11]
- “It’s cookie time. It’s cookie time. It’s cookie time.” — C (singing) [10:12]
Listener Interactions & Community Segments
International Lego Day Shout-Out
- Listeners invited to share their favorite Lego builds (email: hello@the10news.com) [05:16]
Reviews & Audience Voices
- Read aloud: 5-star review sharing love for the show and a recommendation for The Week Junior magazine [10:26]
- Listener James shares his excitement for Nintendo Switch 2 and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond [10:42]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:57] MLK Jr. Day history & importance
- [01:42] Indiana Hoosiers’ football championship
- [02:28] Supreme Court and transgender athlete debate
- [03:34] Autistic Barbie & My Mario collection
- [05:38] California drought & Brazil heatwave
- [07:10] Genius dog language study
- [07:48] Discovery of Cloud 9 (new cosmic object)
- [09:07] Girl Scout cookie trivia & new flavor
- [10:26] Listener shout-outs & reviews
Overall Tone and Takeaways
The Ten News maintains a light, engaging, and inclusive tone—ideal for curious kids and their families. The hosts seamlessly blend education and entertainment, use humor and relatable anecdotes, and encourage young listeners to stay informed and interact with the show. The episode covers a varied mix of stories, balancing serious news (civil rights, legislative developments, climate) with pop culture fun and science wonder, all wrapped in accessible, age-appropriate language.