Seraphina Malina-Derben
Seraphina Malina-Derben (she/her) is a child. She’s been called a young social impact hero and an upstart (by her co-triplet siblings). She began the podcast Seraphina Speaks ~ for Children who Think aged seven. By eight she’d won her first podcast award. She’s now ten years old. Her neurodiversity is an asset. Follow Seraphina here. Sign up for her newsletter here.
Describe Seraphina Speaks in 10 words or less.
A tween side-eying everyday social norms and ordinary things.
Why did you start your podcast?
My mum made podcasting look easy. I was seven trying to not interrupt her interviews. I wanted a slice of what she was having. Turned out it was harder than I thought. I had to have my own podcast because I had no idea where to home my opinions.
How do you make your podcast?
It’s a love thing between me, my mum and our editor. I’m usually in my pyjamas when we record. My mum just about hangs onto her mental health by the time each episode is done. I often say she’s a legend. Seriously, I do. Most kids of my age would be able to read notes fluently before recording but my particular neurodiversity makes this tough, at the moment.
What has been your favorite episode? Where should people start?
My personal favourite is a tie between my early episode on the Queen and one of my newest called Being a Tween: Hair. The first because I’m so young and feisty. The second because it’s badass.
The way to start listening is this. Scan Seraphina Speaks episode titles. When you get a little hit of “ooh I wonder what angle she goes for”, click play and there you go. Repeat.
Fill in the blank: you will like Seraphina Speaks if you like ______.
The sun shining - on your face, across a room, and to make rainbows.
What do you hope your podcast does for people?
I hope it makes changes in the way people think about things. I want the show to start up conversations about things that might seem ordinary or taken for granted. Sometimes it’s the boring things that need air space. It takes just one person to make a difference and have positive impact.
Where do you keep the award you won?
You want the truth? I named my Golden Crane Award Jeffrey. He lives in a glass fronted cupboard in our drawing room. Jeffrey sits above the shelf where we keep Sammy the stuffed kittiwake. Make of that what you will.
What did you do to celebrate your win?
I was pretty quiet about my podcast win at the time. It was in Covid times. I’m owed a party.
Do you think you’ll always be a podcaster?
It depends. I’m quite happy with it right now. No-one can see the future. But between you and me I think I’ve a future in podcasting.
Is there someone you’d love to interview on your podcast?
It’s a creepy one. I’ve been wondering if Donald Trump and Boris Johnson are secret long lost brothers. Their impact on the world is not good but I’d like to ask them if they’re related, and if not, how the devil do they look so similar?. It would be a short episode!
What is your favorite podcast?
Great question. The one I’d like to be telling you about is the kids crime podcast that covers real life cold cases, in a way that kids can handle. Until that happens, I’m a fan of so many other kids podcasts I recommend which is why I started a segment in Seraphina Speaks reviewing them.
Give us a hot take. Spray cheese is an abomination. Wait, most people will agree with that.
Self-care ritual:
This isn’t something I’ve thought about much but it’s easy to answer as I live it.
Not being too tired has to be first.
Making sure my bed is cosy so that I can sleep easily is next.
Creating enough time so that I can think to myself is a must.
My arms and legs have to be warm enough so I make sure they’re covered when they need to be.
Having a flow of daily compliments brings happiness - compliments to others and to me.
Is there anything I didn’t ask you that you want to say?
It’s not a question for me but I have one for you Lauren. Who would you recommend as a mentor for a progressive child podcaster on a mission to do far reaching good in the world with their podcast?
Thanks, Seraphina!