Episode 2188 - 54 Years of Feelings: How The New Zoo Revue Defined a Generation of Kids' TV
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In this heartfelt episode of The Ash Said It Show, host Ash Brown welcomes Doug and Emmy Jo, the founders of The New Zoo Review, a beloved children's television program that redefined kids' TV with its focus on social-emotional learning. The conversation traces the show's origins—from a childhood beanbag frog to a groundbreaking series that prioritized emotional intelligence over academic skills, setting it apart from contemporaries like Sesame Street. The founders reflect on the show's lasting legacy, its relevance across generations, and their ongoing efforts to evolve the franchise with new content for today’s digital-native kids. Ash celebrates the power of belief, creativity, and persistence, urging listeners to defy doubt and make their dreams a reality.
The New Zoo Review was born from a simple childhood memory—a beanbag frog—showing how personal nostalgia can spark lasting cultural impact.
Unlike traditional educational shows, The New Zoo Review prioritized social-emotional learning, teaching kids empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation through fun, animated storytelling.
The show’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes and adaptability, making it relevant for both original fans and new generations discovering it today.
Doug and Emmy Jo are actively developing new programs to help parents navigate today’s overwhelming digital landscape by offering safe, meaningful content for children.
Belief in yourself and relentless action are key to making history—don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.
Welcome to the Ash Said It Show
Ash Brown opens the episode with gratitude to listeners, celebrates the show’s milestone of over 2,100 episodes, and introduces the special guests—Doug and Emmy Jo, founders of The New Zoo Review.
The Origins of The New Zoo Review
“I had this little beanbag frog and she said, I want to do a kid's show based on beanbags.”
Social-Emotional Learning in Kids' TV
“Unlike Sesame Street, which is focused on cognitive skills, accounting and reading, the new Zoo Review was more focused on social-emotional learning.”
Legacy, Future, and a Call to Believe
“You look them square in the face. You tell them, don't believe me. Just watch, watch what I do. Watch me make it happen. Watch me make history.”
“You look them square in the face. You tell them, don't believe me. Just watch, watch what I do. Watch me make it happen. Watch me make history.”
“I had this little beanbag frog and she said, I want to do a kid's show based on beanbags.”
“Unlike Sesame Street, which is focused on cognitive skills, accounting and reading, the new Zoo Review was more focused on social-emotional learning.”
Host
Guests
The New Zoo Review
other
Ash Brown
person
Doug
person
Emmy Jo
person
Sesame Street
other
Beanbag Frog
product
We Sing Programs
other
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