The Fina Mendoza Mysteries

It's "The West Wing" meets "Nancy Drew" - a podcast for little girls and political junkies. Legend says whoever sees the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill is cursed. Fina Mendoza, the 10-year old daughter of a congressman, just saw it. Can she save her family from “cat”astrophe? These are the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. www.finamendozamysteries.com

Celebrating Dia de los Muertos 10/28/2024

Season 2 Episode 18 - SEASON FINALE - The Message from Chickcharney 10/26/2024

Season 2 Episode 17 - Beware the Rayburn Garage 10/19/2024

Season 2 Episode 16 - It's All Happening at the Zoo 10/12/2024

Season 2 Episode 15 - Abuelita Come Home! 10/05/2024

Season 2 Episode 14 - Solving the Mysteries of Fractions and Chickcharney 09/28/2024

Season 2 Episode 14 - Solving the Mysteries of Fractions and Chickcharney The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. Fina discovers some important clues about the mysterious bird that pooped on the president. Her teacher helps her solve some difficult math problems. And Fina tries to solve the mysteries of dogs. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde. In Episode 14, Congressman Arturo Mendoza scolds his mother for participating in an immigration protest at the U.S. Capitol - and then going on TV to talk about it. This at a time when he has been appointed to a bipartisan group negotiating immigration reform legislation. He also refers to the Minority Leader as his “boss.” Who is the boss in Congress? Read about leadership in Congress in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. the book is also available in Spanish as Estado de la Unión. You can get an autographed copy of either book at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Our cast includes: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood India Scalione - Becka Ian Muchuri - Michael Mark Muchuri - Brian Myka Scalione - Margaret Leo Schodorf - Mason Isla Schodorf - Cara Laura Stegman - Congresswoman Mitchell Elizabeth Logun - St. Sebastian Steve DeVorkin - Father Andrew and Senator Something. Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23891052

Season 2 Episode 13 - Family Feud 09/21/2024

Season 2 Episode 12 - Protesting 101 09/14/2024

Season 2 Episode 11 - Congressional Art Competition and the hunt for Chickcharney 09/07/2024

Season 2 Episode 11 - Congressional Art Competition and the hunt for Chickcharney The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. Fina is on the hunt for Chickcharney in the basement of the U.S. Capitol, but the hunt leads to some serious consequences. In Episode 11 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, Fina is wandering around the tunnel that connects the U.S. Capitol with the House office buildings and says: “That’s funny. I never noticed that before. One side of the Cannon tunnel has all that high school art. They’re not very good. Oh, that one is! But on the other wall, there’s nothing but giant pipes, all painted white. I guess nobody notices the ugly wall because you’re too busy looking at the paintings.” Click to read about how a high school artist can have their work displayed inside the U.S. Capitol in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries are written and produced by Kitty Felde. Our cast includes: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Tamika Katanon-Donegal - Monica Melanie Macqueen - the policewoman Gordon brooks and Joanie Anglin - staffers Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, Our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . That newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. This week, it’s the Congressional Art Competition and we’ll tell you how your high schooler can have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23710844

S2; EPISODE 10 - No More Church Shopping 08/31/2024

S2; EPISODE 10 - No More Church Shopping The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. The Mendoza family finally find a church that feels like home. And Abuelita finds a new community of activists. And Gabby gets her phone back. Meanwhile, Fina is not happy with her new detecting partner St. Sebastian. He's a bird dog and easily distracted. But Fina has a breakthrough in her investigation of the bird that pooped on the head of the President. In Episode 10 of Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Abuelita insisted that the family attend mass at a new church. Is that church real? What's the history of the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.? Read all about Catholics in Washington in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Our cast includes: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Christine Avila - Abuelita Monica Vigil - Gabby Steven Cuevas - Papa Linda Graves - Claudia Steve DeVorkin - Fr. Andrew Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. The song “All Are Welcome” by Marty Haugen is used by permission of GIA Publications. Our church choir was led by Rosalie Huntington and Julie Pritikin. And special thanks to Katherine LaVictoire for her clarinet contribution. And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.” And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold. /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23597753

S2; EPISODE 9 - Bird Dogs and Instagram 08/24/2024

S2; EPISODE 8 - Snowmozilla! 08/17/2024

S2; EPISODE 8 - Snowmozilla! The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. All of Washington is shut down for the storm of the century. Meanwhile, Californians Fina and her sister Gabby learn the joys...and the downsides of snow. In Episode 8 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina asks: Is there anything in the paper about the bird that pooped on the president, Papa? PAPA: Not a word. The news cycle has moved on. What's a news cycle? Click to read more about the News Cycle in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil - Gabby Steven Cuevas - Papa Christine Avila - Abuelita Laura Segal - Congresswoman Mitchell Mindy Shaw - the voice on the zoo recording Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood India Scalione - Becka Ian Muchiri - Michael Mark Muchiri - Brian, Mica Scalione - Margaret Leo Schodorf - Mason Isla Schodorf - Cara Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. And special thanks to Katherine LaVictoire for her clarinet contribution and Steven Leigh Morris for the sounds of snow. And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling Fina an “intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life.” Get your copy now! /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23322869

S2; EPISODE 7 - Bird Myths 08/10/2024

S2; EPISODE 7 - Bird Myths The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. Fina continues her investigation into finding the bird that pooped on the President. And she gets a new client: the dog that belongs to the House Chaplain. Meanwhile, Washington DC and the Mendoza family prepare for a blizzard. In Episode 7, Fina’s sister Gabby suggests that she do some bird research at the website of the Audubon Society. Fina stumbles upon an article that says if a bird poops on your head, it's supposed to be good luck. What are some common bird myths? Click to read more about bird myths in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Monica Vigil - Gabby Steven Cuevas - Congressman Mendoza Christine Avila - Abuelita Elizabeth Logun - St. Sebastian Alexandra Bank - Mary Louise Guffey Tad Daley - the anchor Bill Case - Memphis the weatherman Steve DeVorkin - Fr. Andrew and Senator Something Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. Special thanks to musician Anny Celci for sharing Little Black Dress with us and Kevin Pike for sharing his news theme composition. And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union, called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward just gave it a five star review, calling the book a “delightful mystery novel with a message of unity and cooperation.” And available now from Chesapeake Press, wherever great books are sold. /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23301581

S5; EPISODE 6 - Gang of Eight 08/03/2024

S2; EPISODE 5 - Eagles Everywhere 07/27/2024

S2; EPISODE 5 - Eagles Everywhere The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. All of Washington is on the hunt for the bird that pooped on the President - including Fina Mendoza. Social media is having a field day. There's even a hashtag: PoopOnPOTUS. In episode 5 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast, everyone assumes the bird that pooped on the President is an eagle. Fina’s 4th grade class is even assigned a homework project: find all the eagles in Washington, DC. Where are all the eagles in Washington? Click to read more about the eagles in the U.S. Capitol in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Steven Cuevas - Congressman Mendoza Monica Vigil - Gabby Christine Avila - Abuelita Tamika Katon-Donegal - Monica Linda Graves - Claudia Ken Rudin and Garrett Brown - the political pundits Kevin Carr - Eagle Burger commercial announcer Susan Valot Ms. Greenwood Ian Kunithia - Michael India Scalione - Becka Mica Scalione - Margaret Leo Schodorf - Mason Isla Schodorf - Cara Elizabeth Logun - Chickcharney Gordon Brooks - the policeman on the walkie talkie Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward just gave it a five star review, calling Fina an “intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life.” Get your copy now! /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23272364

S2; EPISODE 4 - State of the Union Speeches and other Squawking 07/20/2024

S2; EPISODE 4 - State of the Union Speeches and other Squawking The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. A mysterious bird poops on the president's head during the State of the Union address and Fina and her grandmother are up in the House Gallery, watching when it happens. Papa gives the State of the Union rebuttal speech about immigration reform. The House Minority Leader gives a party. Kitty Felde is writer producer. In Episode 4, after the President delivers his State of the Union speech to Congress, Papa delivers the rebuttal in Spanish. What is the rebuttal speech? Click to read more about the evolution of the State of the Union rebuttal speech in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog. Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website . That’s also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our . Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries. Cast: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Christine Avila - Abuelita Steven Cuevas - Papa Linda Graves - Claudia Mark Bramhall - President of the United States Rosalie Huntington - Minority Leader Ian Kunithia -Michael Wenzel Jones - Waiter DeeDee Chapelle - Stage Manager Music in the party scene composed and perfomed by Kevin Pike. Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling Fina an “intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life.” Get your copy now! /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/23142956

S2; EPISODE 3 - Pigeon Peas and Sewing Lessons 07/13/2024

S2; EPISODE 2 - Senator Something Joins the Hunt 07/06/2024

STATE OF THE UNION Episode 1:The Bird with the Lizard Tail 06/29/2024

Fina Mendoza Goes to the State of the Union Address 03/01/2024

Fina Mendoza Goes to the State of the Union Address On Thursday night, March 7th, members of Congress from the House and Senate will hear a speech from President Biden about the State of the Union. Our Founding Fathers thought the annual speech to Congress was so important, they put it in the Constitution. But what IS the State of the Union address? And what's it like to be inside the U.S. Capitol, sitting in the House Gallery, above the lawmakers and Supreme Court Justices and the cabinet? In this special bonus episode of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, we take you to the State of the Union address where a mysterious bird disrupts the speech. Want to know more about the history of the State of the Union address? Sign up for our . That newsletter explores the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.We'll even send you a to a FREE copy of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to State of the Union. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol. Kitty Felde is writer producer. The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by , published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union . You can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries at the website . Cast: Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza Christine Avila - Abuelita Steven Cuevas - Papa Linda Graves - Claudia Mark Bramhall - President of the United States Ian Muchiri - Michael DeeDee Chapell - stage manager at the rebuttal speech Rosalie Huntington - Minority Leader Wenzel Jones - Waiter Music in the party is composed and performed by Kevin Pike. Andrea Felix Cervantes is our stage manager. Our theme music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. State of the Union is book two in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries series. The Spanish version Estado de la Union will be released by Chesapeake Press this summer. The podcast and the books are designed to introduce civics education to elementary school students. You can get an autographed copy of any of the Fina Mendoza books by clicking the link in the shownotes or check out the Chesapeake Press website . that’s where you can also sign up for our Facts Behind the Fiction newsletter. This week, it’s more information about the rebuttal speech. And when you sign up for the newsletter, you’ll also get a free download of the 56 page Teachers Guide to State of the Union. I hope you’ll tune in to Wednesday’s SOtU speech and the rebuttals. You never know when a bird might just poop on somebody’s head. /episode/index/show/thefinamendozamysteries/id/30173118