10-YEAR-OLD CO-CREATES AND VOICES YOUNG ORCA IN NEW CHILDREN’S PODCAST SUPERPOD

Six-episode family audio series created by a father-daughter team launches September 1 with original music and free companion resources

SANTA BARBARA, CA, CA, UNITED STATES, August 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Ten-year-old Malia Westheimer will make her audio-series debut as Kiko, a kind and curious young orca, in SuperPod, a new six-episode children’s podcast launching September 1, 2026.

Created by Malia and her father, film and television composer and filmmaker Cody Westheimer, SuperPod combines short ocean adventures, original music and immersive sound with stories about courage, friendship, empathy, belonging and growing up. Episodes run six to eight minutes and are designed for children ages 2–8.

The project grew from Malia and Cody’s shared fascination with orcas and the close family relationships within their pods. After Cody’s short film To My 14-Year-Old Self premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival earlier this year, Malia began asking questions about his experiences with orcas. Those conversations led them to imagine an underwater world centered on Kiko and her family.

Malia and Cody wrote the six scripts together and created Kiko’s character, with Malia ultimately deciding to perform the lead role herself.

“I’ve always loved animals, especially orcas like my dad,” says Malia. “I wanted to create stories that are fun, but also help kids like me be brave and kind and believe in themselves.”

A FAMILY COLLABORATION

Malia drove much of SuperPod’s development, contributing ideas and helping shape Kiko as the character moved from the written page into a completed audio series. The podcast was recorded and produced in Cody’s home music studio in Santa Barbara.

“Kiko is very much inspired by Malia—not just her curiosity, sensitivity and humor, but also the social-emotional milestones we’ve navigated together,” says Cody. “When Malia asks one of Kiko’s questions in the show, it feels like she’s discovering the world as Kiko.”

Cody serves as narrator and voices Kiko’s father, Koba. Malia’s mother voices Kiko’s mother, Calima, and her grandmother voices Nima, the elder member of Kiko’s pod.

SEASON ONE

Each episode begins with a question or challenge familiar to young children. Across six gentle adventures, Kiko explores belonging, courage, emotional regulation, compassion, patience, friendship, self-confidence and the unique strengths each child has to offer.

The season includes The Sound of Home (“I Belong”), Kiko Tries New Things (“I Can Be Brave”), Kiko Calms Herself (“I Can Handle Big Feelings”), Kiko Makes a Friend (“Others Matter Too”), Echo Finds Her Way (“Friendship Takes Patience”) and Every Orca Has a Gift (“I Have Something Special to Offer”).

BEYOND THE PODCAST

SuperPod will be accompanied by a free activity book designed by Karen Westheimer, plus free parent and teacher guides with conversation starters and age-appropriate activities. The project also includes an original theme song performed by Malia and Cody, a soundtrack album and a 30-minute sleep story.

Season One will be available beginning September 1, 2026, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other major podcast platforms. Episode 1 is streaming now as a sneak preview.

To meet Kiko and her pod, watch the animated trailer and access the free family and classroom resources, visit superpodkids.com or follow @superpodkids on social media.

ABOUT SUPERPOD

SuperPod is an audio adventure series for children ages 2–8 that follows Kiko, a young orca exploring friendship, courage, belonging and the ocean with her family and friends. Created and produced in Santa Barbara, the series combines gentle storytelling, original music, immersive sound and ocean-inspired learning.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Malia Westheimer, 10, is a fifth-grade student in Santa Barbara and the voice of Kiko. A natural creator, she also co-wrote and sang the SuperPod theme song.

Cody Westheimer is a Santa Barbara-based composer and filmmaker whose music has appeared in hundreds of film, television and documentary projects. He is best known for his theme for NBC’s Tour de France coverage and his cinematic composing for nature and science documentaries.
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Cody Westheimer
SuperPod Kids
+1 805-280-2805
cody@superpodkids.com
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SuperPod Season 1 Animated Trailer

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