Seraphina Speaks

This award winning family-friendly show inspires tweens and early teens to examine social norms and ordinary everyday things. Everything from happiness, being a tween, chores, school, Race, toys, & more. Your host Seraphina Malina-Derben (currently 10 years old) started the show aged seven, as a small girl with big questions. Now older, she continues to query life’s basic situations. She brings thoughtful and fun conversation and is joined by her trusty triplet brothers plus different correspondents each episode. In 15-20 minute episodes she reviews other family focused podcasts with frequent guest appearances from hosts of these shows. Seraphina Speaks is listened to globally across schools, by children, and within families as conversation starters. Seraphina was named a young social impact hero for this thought leadership podcast. Contact: [email protected]

Behind The Scenes Bulletin - On My Anime Soapbox 09/21/2023

Behind The Scenes Bulletin - On My Anime Soapbox Being a good girl brings rules. One of them is to follow the lead of ‘sensible’ adults. In this micro behind the scenes bulletin you’ll hear one big question that’s behind grown-ups worries about anime. I give my opinion on it. Enough of me, I’d like to hear your thoughts whether you’re a tween/young teen or a parent of one. Send your response to land in my email at If you’d like to know more about me and what I’m doing as a social commentator, follow me on my Substack /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/28101587

On My Anime Soapbox 09/21/2023

On My Anime Soapbox Be warned, I couldn’t resist getting up on my anime soapbox. It’s just one of those misunderstood things in life, rather like getting to grips with the info that tomatoes are fruit not vegetables. For some people that comes as a shocker. Anime too is not all it seems, and in this episode, I raise questions about the way it’s portrayed. Don’t worry I also talk about concerning features of ‘some’ anime. You’ll hear that I dedicate lots of focus to finding age appropriate anime so that I protect myself from unsuitable material. As ever, I’m joined by my trusty triplet brother sidekicks, Montgomery and Horatio, as well as welcoming Alice, a new correspondent to Seraphina Speaks. She contributes her thoughtful take on anime and I’m grateful she came on the show. Don’t forget you can become a correspondent too. It’s also my first review of another podcast for families in today’s episode as I share my thoughts on show. Introducing listeners to other podcasts is something I know is important. Creator and producer of The Ten News, Tracy Leeds Kaplan, is my fab guest. I hope you find this episode enjoyable, and thought provoking. If you do, consider leaving me a positive review on whichever podcast platform you choose to listen in on. Come join me over on my Substack where I share more social commentary, on trends and more. Direct Sponsorship ideas and offers are welcome to land in my email at or to my /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/28101251

Behind The Scenes Bulletin - On Being a Tween: HAIR 09/14/2023

Behind The Scenes Bulletin - On Being a Tween: HAIR This micro behind the scenes bulletin lets you in on an important secret. Hear how this one dilemma and one decision affected what I shared with you in the main Being a Tween: Hair episode. Listeners this principle affects us all. I’d like to tell you more but that would be spoiling it, wouldn’t it?! See what you think and let me know. Follow me on my Substack Sponsorship and partnership ideas and offers can be directed to my email at or to my /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/28031211

On Being a Tween: HAIR 09/14/2023

On Being a Tween: HAIR Each season I’ll be bringing you a Being A Tween episode dedicated to a different topic I think is worthy of attention. The first one in this series covers hair growth, just not on our heads. This is a much-ignored subject in conversation and on podcasts but is something tween kids, like me, are often experiencing. Expect to hear my personal story of Bob the lone long hair who grew and grew and was eventually joined by ‘friends’. My trusty triplet sidekick brothers Montgomery & Horatio ask questions about my hair growth as I recount why I’m choosing to share about this, despite it being an exposing subject. I hope you find this episode enjoyable, and thought provoking. If you do, consider leaving me a positive review on whichever podcast platform you choose to listen in on. Follow me on my Substack Direct Sponsorship ideas and offers either to my email at or to my /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/28031208

Behind The Scenes Bulletin - Seraphina Speaks Grows Up 09/07/2023

Behind The Scenes Bulletin - Seraphina Speaks Grows Up Welcome to this tiny bulletin where I share an inside track on Episode 1, Seraphina Speaks Grows Up. This episode is more like planting a seed. Let’s be honest when we plant seeds we never really know if it will grow into a strong plant. Consider the message in this bulletin just like that. All will be revealed… Feel free to throw sponsorship offers at me here: /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/27961722

Seraphina Speaks Grows Up 09/07/2023

Seraphina Speaks Grows Up After a good ‘ol sabbatical I’m bringing you this brand new updated Seraphina Speaks show. I’ve grown up quite a lot, and so has my podcast. I’m back at my mic bringing you content especially for tweens and early teens. Each episode questions social norms in some way. It’s the ordinary things we take for granted that shape how we live, what we believe in and our views on the world. In this first episode you’ll hear what topics I’ll be sharing with you in SEASON ONE. I also let you know about different segments in the podcast and who you can expect to hear from. I’ve got guests, and other kids coming on the show too. Big Hint: I’m on the lookout for your voice so if you’d like to feature on Seraphina Speaks tune in to find out how we can make that happen. And finally, I’ve also made super short behind the scenes bulletin episodes after each episode. My learning. The bits that didn’t make it. That kind of thing. Listen in for the lowdown. Can’t wait to hear what you think about my updated Seraphina Speaks. Write to me at: /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/27961689

SAFETY 08/21/2022

SAFETY Today I’m talking about different kinds of safety. Most of us take our safety for granted. But that’s not the reality for lots of people. It’s a difficult topic and I don’t go into detail. Honest. If you feel a bit jangled for whatever reason scroll back in my podcast episodes to one called HOLIDAY MEDITATION and that should help you transport yourself to another place. I love hearing from my listeners! Email me at: /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/24116268

THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE 06/01/2022

THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE The Queen is an independent woman. She’s been on her throne for seventy years. But is she a feminist? You can find the pictures I mention here >> I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/23279141

BACK TO SCHOOL 03/07/2021

BACK TO SCHOOL Are you going back to school? How do you feel about it? Let's have a think about what school might be like :) Will you write and tell me how going back to school is? My email is [email protected]. /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/18228335

MEAT 01/24/2021

MEAT Hmmm this is a tricky topic everybody... Let's do some research into why we might, and might not, eat meat! Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is [email protected]. /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/18010946

HAPPINESS 01/17/2021

HAPPINESS What do we know about happiness? Is it something we can create for ourselves? Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is [email protected]. /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/17967023

FAT 01/10/2021

FAT Why do some words mean *more* than others? Listeners, we're exploring the word FAT today. Come and join in :) Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/17517497

WINNER 12/30/2020

WINNER I won! I'd love to say a BIG thank you to the Asian American Podcasters Association and I have a message for any budding podcasters... Remember, you can email me on - I love hearing from my listeners! /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/17368631

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 12/29/2020

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS Do New Year's Resolutions actually work? I wonder..... And you can get tickets to the AAP Golden Crane Awards - come and see if I win! Remember to tell me your New Year's Resolutions! My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/17358086

PODCASTING 12/06/2020

PODCASTING You might be a big podcast fan, but do you know how they’re made?! I explain a few podding basics to my big brother Tom. Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/17079884

RACISM 11/15/2020

RACISM Listeners, this episode is on an important topic and I have an important guest joining me; George Floyd’s uncle, Selwyn Jones. Let’s work together and get rid of racism! Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/16815026

HALLOWEEN 10/31/2020

HALLOWEEN Mwahaha it's time for a spooky episode of Seraphina Speaks. And this time I have a question for you listeners! Happy Halloween! Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/16615643

TRUMP 10/18/2020

TRUMP What makes a good president? I'm exploring all things Donald Trump in this episode..! Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/16487267

FARTS 10/11/2020

FARTS Wooowee - what's that smell?! Oh yes, it's my stinky episode on FARTS. Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/16309529

PIRATES 09/27/2020

PIRATES Ahoy there matey! I'm sailing the seven seas and exploring the world of pirates. Climb aboard? Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/16181087

ZOO 09/20/2020

ZOO How do you feel about zoos? I'm weighing up the arguments in this wild episode... Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/16109654

ASTROLOGY 09/13/2020

ASTROLOGY It's time for another episode and I'm talking about something pretty cosmic! Will you write and tell me what you think? My email is . /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/15991373

SCHOOL UNIFORM 09/06/2020

SCHOOL UNIFORM Could you add these show notes: Hmmm, I'm having a think about school uniforms. Do you like wearing a uniform? I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/15904334

ISLAND HOLIDAY 08/22/2020

ISLAND HOLIDAY How do YOU make your own fun? I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/15763172

HOLIDAY MEDITATION 07/27/2020

HOLIDAY MEDITATION Will you come on a trip with me? I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/15365360

NAMES 07/12/2020

NAMES What’s in a name? I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/15200837

POKÉMON 07/06/2020

POKÉMON What can we learn from the world of Pokémon? I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/15097964

CAKE 06/21/2020

CAKE Can you have your cake and eat it? I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on You Are Cake, by Joanna Bloor You are your own unique set of ingredients Ingredients curated over time and experiences Put together by the recipe of you Your cake is perfect. Cakes are for sharing Eat it all yourself, and you might feel sick Share cake, and it transforms From just food to a celebration I know you worry that someone will steal your cake And try to own its magic But only you know the recipe Only you know the secret ingredient Some might say they just want the icing The flourish, the story icing can tell But without cake, icing is just a bowl of sugar Sugar that soon will be too much for anyone Icing needs cake to be sublime Don't just offer the icing Don't let them just take the parts they want Offer the whole cake or nothing Because your cake is the ingredients The recipe, the icing on the top All of it together Creating a sweet delicious celebration Because that's what they want They want a perfect cake Put together by the recipe of you And your cake is perfect. /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/14904167

RACE 06/07/2020

RACE It’s time we talked about something important: race. I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/14727179

NITS 05/30/2020

NITS It’s time we talked about head lice. Have you ever had them? Let’s break the silence! I love hearing from my listeners! You can email me on /episode/index/show/seraphinaspeaks/id/14627444

Seraphina Speaks

TOPICS