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GenX Gon Give It To Ya is ultimately about spreading love and bridging generations. I’m broadening connections while scoopin up some old friends along the way. We’ll reminisce on tv, movies, music, entertainment and events that helped form our culture cause the bond is deep!
Come Play!
(0:05 - 0:39)
I'm back, even though allergies are kicking my butt, the show must go on, thank you for coming
back. Lil Birdy told me that you've been bragging about the show because podcast host
Transistor has informed me that Gen X Gon' Give It To Ya has been streamed in 25 countries,
that's right, you heard me right, 25 countries y'all, appreciate y'all for that, let's keep spreading
this love, hit that like and subscribe button. On today's episode, I revisit two trailblazing children's
educational classics that made learning fun and taught Generation X just how resourceful we
could be.
(0:39 - 0:52)
Originally, I planned on adding the Electric Company and Schoolhouse Rock as well. I'm gonna
split it into two parts. In the meantime, can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?
Let's get into it.
(0:52 - 1:05)
Sesame Street is one of the most influential children's television programmes ever created. This
educational programme is considered culturally groundbreaking and beloved across generations.
Sesame Street premiered November 10th, 1969.
(1:06 - 1:18)
It was created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morissette. It was produced by Sesame Street
Workshop. The show blends puppetry, live-action animation, and music to teach literacy,
numeracy, and social-emotional skills.
(1:19 - 1:33)
It was revolutionary for using television as an educational tool, especially for underserved
communities. The heart of the show comes from characters designed by Jim Henson. The core
cast includes 8-foot-tall Big Bird, who represents a gentle, curious 6-year-old.
(1:34 - 1:51)
His best friend is Mr. Snuffleupagus. Big Bird was conceived by Jim Henson and built by costume
designer Kermit Love. Big Bird lives in a large nest at 123 1⁄2 Sesame Street, surrounded by
human and Muppet neighbours who help him explore questions about friendship, learning, and
feelings.
(1:51 - 2:09)
Though sometimes naive and clumsy, he consistently models kindness and perseverance. His
teddy bear, Radar, and his friend, Snuff, appear frequently in stories emphasising empathy and
imagination. A fixture in educational TV, Big Bird helped generations of children learn about
letters, numbers, and life skills.
(2:09 - 2:22)
Memorable storylines include coping with Mr. Hooper's death in 1983. Mr. Hooper was one of the
first four human characters to appear on the show. Another memorable moment was rebuilding
his nest after a hurricane.
(2:22 - 2:40)
Both moments were praised for addressing grief and resilience in age-appropriate ways. Big Bird
has appeared in films such as Sesame Street Presents, Follow That Bird, and Big Bird in China.
He would get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame April 21, 1994, located at 7021 Hollywood
Boulevard.
(2:40 - 2:48)
In 2000, Big Bird was named a living legend by the United States Library of Congress. He is also
featured on a U.S. Post-it stamp. Next up is Cookie Monster.
(2:49 - 3:09)
His first appearance was in 1969. Cookie Monster evolved from early Muppet prototypes created
by Jim Henson for snack commercials in the 60s, including characters nicknamed the Wheel
Stealer and Arnold the Munching Monster. When he joined Sesame Street, writers quickly
defined his personality through a sketch focused on his cravings for cookies.
(3:09 - 3:25)
His distinct voice, googly eyes, and chaotic eating style became defining traits. His character is
performed by Frank Oz and later David Rudman. Cookie Monster is exuberant, impulsive, and
endlessly enthusiastic about food, especially chocolate chip cookies.
(3:25 - 3:46)
His simplified speech patterns such as, me want cookie, has become iconic. In the 2000s, the
show re-emphasised health habits, portraying him as learning self-control and balance using
phrases like, cookies are sometimes food. He also co-hosts educational cooking segments such
as Cookie Monster's Food Truck, teaching about nutrition and cooperation.
(3:47 - 4:05)
Beyond Sesame Street, Cookie Monster has appeared on The Muppet Show, The Colbert
Report, and numerous global productions. His image adorns books, toys, and educational
campaigns worldwide. His personality encourages children to laugh, learn letters, and appreciate
moderation, all while celebrating the simple joy of a cookie.
(4:05 - 4:17)
Next up, Bert. The first half of a comedic duo, highlighting friendship and personality differences.
Bert, created by Jim Henson and performed by Frank Oz, was introduced in 1969 in the pilot
episode.
(4:18 - 4:37)
Bert is serious-minded, analytical, and somewhat fussy. He enjoys collecting bottle caps and
paperclips, reading boring stories, and studying pigeons, especially his pet pigeon, Bernice. His
routines and methodical habits often clash with Ernie's spontaneity, yet his patience and reliability
make him a grounding force on the show.
(4:37 - 4:58)
Since his debut, Bert has appeared in numerous educational sketches covering literacy,
numeracy, and social themes. He has co-hosted spinoffs such as Play With Me Sesame and has
appeared in films like Follow That Bird and Adventures of Elmo and Grouchland. His enduring
friendship with Ernie continues to model empathy, humour, and acceptance for young viewers.
(4:58 - 5:20)
Bert remains a pop culture fixture, appearing in parades, merchandise, and international Sesame
Street productions. His balanced dynamic with Ernie has inspired academic commentary on
friendship and personality contrasts in children's programming. More than five decades after his
debut, Bert still represents the thoughtful side of Sesame Street's message of learning and
kindness.
(5:21 - 5:30)
The other half of this awesome duo is Ernie. He also first appears in 1969. Ernie was created and
performed by Jen Henson till 1990.
(5:30 - 5:47)
Steve Whitmire and Bernie Barkhurst would continue the role. Ernie is cheerful, curious, and a
mandative, often engaging in antics that contrast with Bert's more serious temperament. Living
together at 123 Sesame Street, their friendship models cooperation and the humour in
differences.
(5:47 - 6:12)
Ernie's defining traits include a hearty chuckle, love of bath, an attachment to his constant
character, and the subject of his signature song, Rubber Duckie, You're the One. Through songs,
sketches, and interactions, Ernie helps teach preschoolers social and emotional skills such as
empathy, sharing, and understanding perspectives. His light-hearted mischief introduces lessons
about responsibility and friendship.
(6:12 - 6:25)
Rubber Duckie became a cultural hit, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, cementing Ernie as
an icon of joyful learning. Another endearing character is Oscar the Grouch. He was created by
Jim Henson and John Stone.
(6:25 - 6:40)
He was performed by Carol Spiney from 1969 to 2018, then Eric Jacobson overlapping from
2015 to present. Oscar resides in a trash can at 123 Sesame Street. Oscar embodies the
opposite of Sesame Street's sunny optimism.
(6:40 - 6:58)
He thrives on mess, noise, and irritation, insisting that being grouchy makes him happy. His love
of trash from tin cans to banana peels reflects both humour and subtle environmental message
about reuse and recycling. His friends include his pet worm, Slimey, elephant, Fluffy, and pig,
Spot.
(6:59 - 7:27)
Oscar has an on-again, off-again girlfriend, another grouch. Jim Henson originally conceived
Oscar as a magenta monster, inspired by a rude waiter at a New York restaurant called Oscar's
Salted to Sea. Because early colour TV cameras struggled with certain hues, the puppet first
appeared orange in Sesame Street's debut season, before turning green in season 2. The
transformation was later explained on TV as vacation to Swamp Mushy Muddy, where Oscar
turned green from slime and mould.
(7:28 - 7:44)
Oscar the Grouch is now part of Smithsonian's National Museum of American History collection.
Oscar has appeared in Follow That Bird, The Adventure of Elmo and Grouch Land, and various
Muppet films. He remains an enduring symbol of the show's humour and empathy for all kinds of
personalities.
(7:44 - 8:00)
Next we have Grover. He was designed by Jim Henson and performed by Frank Oz until 1998.
You will hear me mention Frank Oz a lot because he has appeared, voiced, or directed many of
our faves, like the Muppet movie, The Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Knives Out.
(8:00 - 8:17)
And he's the voice and puppeteer of Jedi Grandmaster Yoda. He directed The Dark Crystal with
Jim Henson, The Muppets Take Manhattan, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Steppart Wives. I'm
just finding out he directed one of my favourite movies, What About Bob starring Bill Murray,
Richard Dreyfuss, and Julie Haggerty.
(8:17 - 8:35)
What about Bob? What about Bob? I'm seeing a Frank Oz episode on the horizon. Grover first
appears in season two. Grover is a furry blue Muppet that approaches every task with childlike
optimism and persistence, often buggling his effort but learning along the way.
(8:36 - 8:52)
He is caring, excitable, and eager to help, though his helpfulness typically creates comic
mishaps. Despite misadventures, he models resilience, empathy, and curiosity for young viewers.
Grover has appeared in many reoccurring sketches that highlight different aspects of his
personality.
(8:52 - 9:09)
Wader Grover isn't even a net but polite servant to the long-suffering customer, Mr. Johnson.
Super Grover slash Super Grover 2.0 is a parody superhero who crash lands into problems
rather than solving them. In later years, this character would be updated with STEM-themed
investigative twists.
(9:09 - 9:26)
Global Grover is a cultural explorer introducing children to traditions around the world. Grover has
starred in numerous books, most famously The Monster at the End of this Book, a perennial
bestseller that introduced generations of kids to interactive reading. One of my exes actually
gifted me the book in adulthood.
(9:26 - 9:46)
I've loved The Monster at the End of the Book ever since. Grover's friendly rapport with other
Sesame Street characters, especially Kermit the Frog, and his endearing humour have made him
one of the franchise's most beloved characters for over five decades. The Smithonian Institution
holds one of the original Grover puppets, recognising his cultural significance.
(9:46 - 10:06)
And we can absolutely not forget the Count. Count Van Count is a friendly, vampire-like Muppet,
parodying Bela Lugosi's Dracula. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, there shall be an
Abbott and Costello episode featuring the iconic universal monsters Dracula, Frankenstein,
Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and the Mummy.
(10:06 - 10:34)
Don't act like your Sunday mornings didn't include these legends in their hijinks. Anyway, the
Count personifies a humorous obsession with numbers and counting, teaching generations of
children basic arithmetic through song, laughter, and lightning-filled theatrics. Created by Jim
Henson and Carolee Wilcox, performed by Jerry Nelson from 1972 to 2012, then Matt Vogel from
2013 to now, the Count resides in a gothic castle in a Transylvania-style setting.
(10:34 - 10:52)
He first appears in Season 4, counting blocks alongside Bert and Ernie. He rocks lavender skin,
fangs, a monogle, that's a single eyeglass, and a formal cape. His rolling accent and ah-ah-ah
laugh accompany thunder and lightning effects said to come from his personal storm cloud.
(10:52 - 11:05)
Early sketches emphasised a darker, hypnotic persona, later softened into an affable educator
beloved by audiences. The Count's life revolves around numbers. He counts bats, furniture,
clouds, or even himself.
(11:05 - 11:26)
Interruptions to his counting can irritate him, though he remains well-meaning and polite. Folklore
inspiration underlies his compulsive tallying because legendary vampires were once thought to
be distracted by scattered seeds. Through segments like Number of the Day, he turns arithmetic
into music and plays, often using his pipe organ to punctuate each numeral.
(11:26 - 11:49)
His songs Counting is Wonderful and The Batty Bat blend Balkan and Romani-style rhythms with
rhythmic repetition that reinforces learning. The Count has appeared in Follow That Bird, The
Adventures of Elmo in Groutsland, and other Muppet specials. Recognisable worldwide, he
remains an icon of joyful numeracy, a gentle gothic mentor who made mathematics both spooky
and fun.
(11:50 - 12:05)
Now I want to give a special shout-out to Elmo, the cheerful red monster who is introduced in
1980 and becomes insanely popular in the 90s. Remember Tickle Me Elmo? Everybody was
trying to get their hands on one of those for Christmas. Elmo helped revitalise the Sesame Street
brand.
(12:05 - 12:18)
Sesame Street also had human characters that we also grew to love. Unlike many kids shows,
Sesame Street integrated diverse human characters interacting naturally with Muppets. Gordon
Robinson first appears in 1969.
(12:18 - 12:32)
He is a school teacher and community mentor. He is the husband of Susan Robinson. He was
portrayed by Matt Robinson from 1969 to 1972, then Hal Miller 1972 to 1974, then Roscoe
Orman 1974 to 2016.
(12:32 - 12:48)
We'll see him and his wife around Sesame Street. Gordon Robinson was conceived as a
knowledgeable and caring adult figure who guided children through everyday problems and
educational lessons. In the early episodes, he introduced us to the concept of the integrated
urban neighbourhood central to the show's mission.
(12:48 - 13:11)
His gentle humour and authority helped ground the fantastical Muppet world in relatable human
experience. The character evolved from a teacher into a broader mentor role, often modelling
empathy, curiosity, and community involvement. As one of the first recurring black father figures
on American children's television, Gordon represented inclusive family life and positive
reinforcement at a time of social change.
(13:11 - 13:25)
His long tenure made him a cornerstone of Sesame Street's identity, and his presence influenced
portrayals of educator and parents across other children's programming. Susan Robinson first
appears in 1969. She is a nurse and a community role model.
(13:26 - 13:39)
She is the wife of Gordon Robinson. Susan is a show original human character helping to bridge
the world of adults and children in educational settings. Alongside Gordon, she offered emotional
warmth, stability, and guidance to the show's younger viewers.
(13:39 - 13:58)
As the show progressed, her career would transition to homemaker and teacher. Susan
represented the caring adult presence in multicultural, urban environments that modelled
friendship and cooperation. She frequently appeared in musical segments and storylines,
emphasising respect, empathy, and learning through everyday experiences.
(13:59 - 14:27)
Her relationship with Gordon and their adopted son, Miles, reflected positive portrayals of family
life and adoption on children's television. As one of the earliest African American female
characters in educational television, Susan Robinson, through Loretta Long's portrayal, helped
shape inclusive representation in children's media. Her character contributed to Sesame Street's
mission of combining entertainment with social learning, modelling, community involvement, and
mutual understanding for generations of viewers.
(14:27 - 14:37)
Bob Johnson was another original human resident of Sesame Street. He is portrayed by Bob
McGrath. Bob is known as the neighbourhood's music teacher, friendly neighbour, and moral
anchor.
(14:37 - 14:46)
He often helps children and Muppets solve problems calmly. You can rely on Bob for his warm,
approachable demeanour. His approach to literacy and music became cherished.
(14:46 - 14:57)
Bob frequently led songs about letters, numbers, and everyday life. He used simple melodies to
reinforce learning concepts. Big Bird and Ernie often performed alongside the music teacher.
(14:57 - 15:10)
He often acted as a bridge between the real world, making everything feel believable and
grounded. Bob played a central role in one of the most powerful scenes in children's television
history. The episode addressing the death of Mr. Hooper.
(15:10 - 15:24)
Alongside Big Bird, Bob gently explains the concept of death in a clear, compassionate way. The
moment showed how Sesame Street trusted children to handle real-life emotions. Bob's
character helped define what adults on children's TV could be.
(15:24 - 15:37)
Respectful of children's intelligence, emotionally supportive, without being condescending. He
helped set the standard for educational TV hosts that followed. Next we have Maria, portrayed by
Sonia Manzano, first appeared in 1971.
(15:37 - 15:49)
She would become co-owner of The Fix-It Shop and community member. Maria began as a
teenager working in the neighbourhood's library and later co-managed The Fix-It Shop with Louis.
Maria's presence broke barriers in American television.
(15:50 - 16:13)
As the first Latina character on Sesame Street, she offered Latino and urban children a chance to
see themselves reflected in educational media for the first time. Manzano infused the character
with elements of her own Nuerican identity using Spanglish naturally and pushing for accurate
cultural details from Puerto Rican foods to neighbourhood diversity. Maria remains a touchstone
of representation in the U.S. pop culture.
(16:13 - 16:39)
Through her, Sonia Manzano helped shape the inclusive spirit of Sesame Street, teaching
children that every community member, regardless of language or background, has something
valuable to share. Louis Rodriguez first appears in 1971, Season 3. He is portrayed by Emilio
Delgado. Louis was introduced as the friendly handyman who ran The Fix-It Shop, pairing radios,
toasters, and other household items for the residents of Sesame Street.
(16:39 - 16:58)
His calm demeanour and helpfulness made him a reliable adult figure for young viewers.
Delgado's portrayal often included singing and occasional guitar playing, adding to the show's
musical and education charm. Louis's interactions with Muppets such as Big Bird, Oscar the
Grouch, and Elmo reinforced lessons of cooperation and empathy.
(16:58 - 17:24)
Emilio Delgado's Louis represented a groundbreaking portrayal of a Latino character in American
television. In an era with few positive Hispanic roles, Louis was depicted as a hard-working,
bilingual, family-orientated neighbour who shared Spanish language and culture naturally within
the programme. Delgado often incorporated Spanish phrases famously calling Big Bird, Pajaro,
which means bird, promoting multicultural inclusivity and language learning.
(17:25 - 17:40)
In 1988, Louis and Maria get married. It was one of Sesame Street's most memorable moments,
using family milestones to teach children about love, marriage, and parenting. Delgado remained
with the show until 2016 and returned for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2019.
(17:40 - 17:57)
His portrayal earned recognition for holding the longest-running role by a Mexican-American in
U.S. TV, leaving a lasting legacy in children's media and Latino representation. All of the
characters model urban community life, diversity, and cooperation. Sesame Street changed how
children's media works.
(17:57 - 18:19)
It consisted of research board design built by using child psychology and educational research as
well as tested segments to maximise attention and retention. They also chose the fast-paced
format inspired by commercials to keep kids engaged, adding short, memorable segments
through songs, animations, and skits. Sesame Street revolutionised children's TV.
(18:19 - 18:30)
After it, educational programming became standard. Shows like Blue's Clues and Dora the
Explorer followed its model. Studies showed kids who watched regularly had improved reading
and math skills.
(18:30 - 18:46)
It helped close educational gaps, especially in low-income households. Sesame Street had a
major global influence adapted in over 150 countries. Sesame Street has won 215 Daytime
Emmy Awards, 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, and 11 Grammy Awards.
(18:47 - 19:01)
Throughout the year, Sesame Street had many musical or creative guests. Stevie Wonder
performed Superstition and 123 Sesame Street, a fan-favourite moment blending funk and
education. Johnny Cash sang with the Muppets, bringing country music into kids' TV.
(19:02 - 19:15)
Lena Horne delivered powerful musical performances and represented Black excellence on
screen. James Earl Jones famously recited the alphabet in a dramatic, unforgettable
performance. Carol Burnett brought sketch comedy energy to the show.
(19:15 - 19:28)
Richard Pryor appeared in a rare kid-friendly role, showing his versatility. The cultural impact of
the guests of the 70s reflected the Civil Rights era's progress. It introduced kids to serious artists
in approachable ways.
(19:28 - 19:41)
It also helped normalise diverse representation on TV. By the 80s, Sesame Street was a
household staple, attracting Hollywood stars and major entertainers. Robin Williams delivered
energetic, improvisational comedy with the Muppets.
(19:41 - 19:54)
Whoopi Goldberg taught self-esteem and identity in memorable segments. Paul Simon performed
and introduced kids to folk-slash-pop music. Cyndi Lauper sang Girls Just Wanna Have Fun in a
kid-friendly version.
(19:54 - 20:09)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar taught counting and teamwork. The cultural impact of the 80s guests
cemented Sesame Street as mainstream entertainment. It bridged education with pop culture and
it helped kids connect with big celebrities in a safe, learning-focused setting.
(20:09 - 20:23)
In the 90s, the show leaned heavily into global superstars and rising pop culture icons. Tom
Hanks taught counting in humorous, high-energy segments. Denzel Washington delivered
powerful, calm storytelling and educational messages.
(20:23 - 20:41)
Mariah Carey brought pop-slash-R&B into the Sesame Street world, making a memorable
appearance where she was humorously spoofed as a cow named Mariah Cowrie. She performed
Some Hay, a playful parody on her hit Someday. It showcased her unique blend of humour and
music, appealing to both children and adults.
(20:41 - 20:53)
Garth Brooks connected country music with younger audiences. Michael Jordan appeared in
segments emphasising practise, discipline, and counting. Drew Barrymore appeared in fun,
lighthearted sketches with Elmo and friends.
(20:53 - 21:13)
The cultural impact of the 90s guests reinforced Sesame Street as a global cultural institution. It
helped launch Elmo into superstardom and it blended education with celebrity-driven
entertainment. Across all three decades, guest appearances made learning feel exciting and
relevant, introducing children to major cultural figures in early life.
(21:13 - 21:40)
It helped parents enjoy the show alongside their kids and it created iconic TV moments that still
circulate today. More than 50 years later, the show remains relevant because it evolves with new
generations, uses media responsibly for education, and continues to promote empathy, inclusion,
and curiosity. So with all the achievements this pioneering show has earned, imagine me and
millions others outraged when it began circulating online that Sesame Street had been cancelled.
(21:40 - 21:46)
Like WTF? It's an international treasure. So I did a little research. Sesame Street has not been
cancelled.
(21:46 - 22:00)
While it is true that Warner Bros. Discovery decided not to renew its deal for new episodes on
Max, the show is still in production and new episodes can now be seen on Netflix. It is described
as having a slightly different format and tone.
(22:00 - 22:11)
I haven't watched it yet. Have any of you watched the new episodes? Does your kids enjoy it? Let
me know your thoughts in the comments. Does it measure up to the OG? Another educational
series that's dear to our hearts? Zoom.
(22:11 - 22:27)
Zoom was a groundbreaking children television series that aired on PBS. It ran January 9, 1972
to March 24, 1978, and then was revived 1999 to 2005. The show's core idea was simple but
powerful, kids teaching and entertaining other kids.
(22:27 - 22:40)
There were no adult hosts on screen, just a group of energetic kids called Zoomers leading
everything themselves. Each episode followed a loose sketch-based structure with recurring
segments. The show encouraged viewer interaction.
(22:40 - 23:01)
Kids across America sent in ideas, jokes, recipes, and games. The famous address, ZOOM, Z-OO-M, Box 350, Boston News' 02134, became iconic. Zoom included educational segments that
featured science experiments, math, logic puzzles, and language bits, including Ooby Dooby
language, a playful coded language.
(23:02 - 23:10)
Words were altered by inserting oob before vowels. Example, hello would become hoobalooba. It
became a playground phenomenon for many kids.
(23:10 - 23:23)
The Zoom performed skits and comedy bits, songs, dance, routines, short plays, and
improvisation. There was a segment called Zoom Do Activities. This would include recipes, crafts,
and games kids could try at home.
(23:23 - 23:36)
The tone was informal, inclusive, and very participatory, making viewers feel part of the show.
Unlike scripted shows, Zooms didn't have fictional characters. Instead, the characters played
themselves, which made the show feel authentic.
(23:36 - 23:57)
Some of the most recognisable Zoomers included Nancy Fields, who was an original cast
member. Her presence in the original seasons helped establish the inclusive, peer-driven tone
that distinguished Zoom from other children's programming of its era. Her presence in the original
seasons helped establish the inclusive, peer-driven tone that distinguished Zoom from other
children's programming of its era.
(23:57 - 24:22)
Tommy White appeared during the show's early seasons and contributed to its distinctive blend
of music, games, and creative activities presented by and far for children. Cast members like
White were chosen for their energy, imagination, and ability to relate to viewers through their
informal, dialogue-by-kids, for-kids segments. White participated in group skits, songs, and
audience challenges that helped define Zoom's educational style.
(24:23 - 24:42)
The programme encouraged creativity and self-expression with recurring segments such as
Zoom Mail and Zoom Do. Performers typically rotated after one or two seasons, keeping the
lineup fresh for young audiences. White's season is remembered by fans for its upbeat group
chemistry and the show's bright, minimalistic aesthetic.
(24:42 - 25:08)
White's participation placed him among the first generation of young performers on public
television to act as co-creators rather than scripted child actors. The show's enduring cultural
footprint has made its cast members nostalgic figures for viewers who grew up during its original
run. Another Zoomer, Bernadette Connors, was present from 1972 to 19- She is remembered for
representing the inclusive, youth-driven spirit of 1970s educational television.
(25:08 - 25:19)
Some of you may remember when she enchanted us with the outside-of-the-box arm twist
introduction on season 2. I went back to see what the arm twist was, y'all. I remember it. We were
all doing it.
(25:19 - 25:25)
She goes by Bernadette Yo now. Perhaps Yow now? I hope I'm pronouncing that right. I found
her YouTube page.
(25:25 - 25:36)
It says she's a holistic health practitioner and meditation music composer. The description
continues to say that she's back in front of the camera and still thinking outside the box. Well, the
tissue box, actually.
(25:36 - 25:53)
Zoom into action with Bernadette as she crafts her very own four-string guitar out of common
household items. And yes, you'll get to hear her speak in Ooby Dooby language, as well as see
her performing the arm twist. Moira Mulaney appeared in the first two seasons of the iconic show
when she was 10.
(25:53 - 26:14)
Mulaney appeared in segments encouraging creativity, communication, and cultural exchange
among children. She also joined Zoom's touring live performances and contributed to the
recording of the album Come On and Zoom in 1974. Her inclusion among a few other cast
members to feature both in film segments and regular episodes made her a recognisable figure
to early viewers.
(26:14 - 26:31)
After her television years, Mulaney pursued various interests including voiceover work. She
joined Amtrak in 1994 as a conductor. Away from the spotlight, she continued to express creative
interests through writing and animal care, maintaining a life that combined public service and
personal artistry.
(26:32 - 26:49)
Zoom stood out because it emphasised peer learning, creativity over perfection, diversity and
inclusion, and active participation opposed to passive watching. It aligned with broader
educational trends of the 70s that encouraged hands-on learning and self-expression. Zoom was
decades ahead of its time.
(26:49 - 27:08)
It encouraged user-generated content long before social media. The show helped spark DIY and
maker culture with interest in science experiments at home along with early maker mindset build,
try, fail, learn. You can see its DNA in later shows like Bill Nye, The Science Guy, and
Mythbusters.
(27:09 - 27:19)
Zoom helped shape the identity of PBS kids programming along shows like Sesame Street.
Zoom wasn't just a TV show. It was an early experiment in participatory media.
(27:19 - 27:29)
It proved that kids could teach, lead, and create. Education could be fun, collaborative, and
empowering. And television could be interacting long before the digital age.
(27:29 - 27:39)
Zoom didn't rely on celebrity guests. In fact, it deliberately avoided them. The stars of the show
were the cast of kids, the viewers at home, and the shared creativity between them.
(27:39 - 27:58)
That decision helped make Zoom feel personal, relatable, and ahead of its time. In 1997, WGBH
released a video and book set, Best of the 70s, and Zoomers revisited. Where are they now?
Then in 2008, WGBH released a two-DVD set, Zoom, Back to the 70s.
(27:58 - 28:17)
The first DVD was a reissue of the Best of the 70s, with extras consisting of a behind-the-scenes
stills set to the theme song and a 10-question quiz asking what a few of the cast members are
doing today. The second DVD consisted of four episodes from the 1970s series. Thank you for
joining me on this episode of Gen X Gon' Give It To Ya.
(28:17 - 28:30)
There is nothing like a blast from the past. That's why I'm going to continue the children's
education nostalgia with another two of our favourite kids' shows, The Electric Company and
Schoolhouse Rock, on the next episode. I hope y'all are ready to sing.
(28:30 - 28:37)
Be sure to tell your friends and don't forget to hit that like and subscribe button. And if you have a
show idea, drop it in the comments. I'd love to hear your ideas.
(28:38 - 28:38)
Later!