Waffles + Mochi - Mushroom (S1E9)
Waffles and Mochi face their fears on a mission to find more mushrooms for the store by talking to experts who are putting the "fun" in fungi.
| Runtime (min) | 28 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-03-16 |
| Genres | Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
When Mrs. Obama asks Waffles and Mochi to stock the store with more mushrooms, the two friends discover they're both afraid of fungi. To overcome their fears and learn more about mushrooms, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure that takes them to meet experts who share their passion for these mysterious organisms. Along the way, they discover that mushrooms come in countless varieties, from the familiar button mushrooms to exotic species found in forests around the world.
Their journey includes hands-on experiences that help them understand where mushrooms grow, how they're harvested, and why they're such an important food. Through conversations with mycologists and chefs who celebrate mushrooms in their cooking, Waffles and Mochi gradually transform their fear into fascination. By the end of the episode, they return to the store with newfound confidence, a deeper appreciation for fungi, and plenty of mushrooms to share with their community.
What parents say
Parents have praised Waffles + Mochi for its educational approach to food and nutrition, noting that the show makes learning about unfamiliar ingredients accessible and fun for young children. Many parents appreciate how the series introduces global cuisines and diverse foods without being preachy, allowing kids to explore new tastes through the adventures of relatable puppet characters.
Parents have specifically complimented the show's production values and the involvement of Michelle Obama, which they feel adds credibility to the nutritional messages. Some parents mention that their children became more willing to try new foods, including vegetables and mushrooms, after watching episodes of the show. The gentle pacing and positive tone have been highlighted as strengths that make the series appropriate for preschool and early elementary audiences.
Parents note that the show avoids commercial advertising and junk food messaging, instead focusing on whole foods and home cooking. Several parents have mentioned using episodes as springboards for cooking projects with their children, finding that the show inspires curiosity about ingredients and where food comes from.
What kids learn
Children learn that fear of unfamiliar things can be overcome through curiosity and education. Waffles and Mochi's initial apprehension about mushrooms mirrors how many kids feel about trying new foods, and the episode demonstrates that learning more about something unfamiliar can transform fear into excitement. This models a growth mindset and shows that it's okay to be nervous about new experiences as long as you're willing to explore them.
The episode teaches basic mycology concepts in age-appropriate ways, introducing children to the idea that mushrooms are neither plants nor animals but belong to their own kingdom of life. Kids learn that mushrooms grow in specific environments, often in forests or on decaying matter, and that there are thousands of different species with unique shapes, colors, and flavors. The show presents scientific information through accessible language and visual demonstrations that make complex concepts understandable for young viewers.
Children also discover the culinary versatility of mushrooms and their importance in cuisines around the world. The episode encourages openness to trying new foods and shows that ingredients that might seem strange at first can be delicious when prepared thoughtfully. By seeing experts express genuine enthusiasm for mushrooms, children learn that passion and expertise can make any subject interesting.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will this episode help my child overcome their fear of mushrooms or other new foods? | The episode directly addresses food neophobia by showing Waffles and Mochi working through their own fear of mushrooms. By modeling curiosity, asking questions, and gradually building familiarity with fungi through expert guidance, the characters demonstrate a healthy approach to trying new things. While individual results vary, the episode provides a gentle framework for discussing food fears and may encourage some children to be more open to tasting mushrooms or other unfamiliar ingredients. |
| What do kids actually learn about mushrooms in this episode? | Children learn that mushrooms are a unique form of life distinct from plants and animals, that they grow in specific environments like forests, and that there are many different varieties with different flavors and uses. The episode introduces basic concepts about how mushrooms are harvested and prepared, and showcases their role in various cuisines. The scientific information is presented through accessible demonstrations and conversations with experts who make mycology engaging for young audiences. |
| Are there any scary or intense moments related to the fear theme? | The fear portrayed in the episode is mild and relatable—Waffles and Mochi simply feel uncertain about mushrooms because they're unfamiliar. There are no frightening scenes, jump scares, or intense moments. The show handles the fear theme gently and positively, focusing on curiosity and learning as solutions. The overall tone remains upbeat and encouraging throughout, making it appropriate for sensitive or anxious children. |
| Does the episode encourage kids to forage for wild mushrooms? | The episode focuses on learning about mushrooms from experts and understanding where they come from, but it does not encourage children to forage for wild mushrooms on their own. Any mushroom harvesting shown is done by knowledgeable adults in controlled settings. The emphasis is on appreciating mushrooms as food and understanding their role in nature, not on independent foraging, which requires specialized knowledge to do safely. |
| Will my picky eater actually want to try mushrooms after watching this? | Results vary by child, but the episode is designed to build positive associations with mushrooms through fun, educational content rather than pressure. Some children may become curious enough to try mushrooms, while others may simply gain appreciation for them as an interesting food. The show plants seeds of curiosity without demanding immediate acceptance, which can be more effective than direct pressure. Consider watching together and following up with low-pressure opportunities to explore mushrooms in your own kitchen. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? To find out, Waffles and Mochi try pasta with tomato "candy," yummy pizza and a cold soup called gazpacho. |
| 1 | 2 | Salt can make our taste buds sing — but too much of it on top of Mrs. O's favorite cookies is a terrible thing! Turns out a little bit goes a long way. |
| 1 | 3 | With potato sales plummeting at the market, Waffles and Mochi take to the skies to learn about spuds and the delicious things you can do with them. |
| 1 | 4 | Waffles dropped the store's last jar of pickles and needs to replace them... fast! But pickling is a process that, like all good things, takes time. |
| 1 | 5 | Waffles helps Mochi trace his family tree to find out where he came from, only to discover a surprising ancestor — rice — with a fascinating history. |
| 1 | 6 | Mrs. O sends Waffles and Mochi on an epic hunt around the world to find four different kinds of eggs for her friend, a famous chef. Time to get cracking! |
| 1 | 7 | Herbs and spices are flying off the shelves at the supermarket — but so is all the color! Can Waffles and Mochi fix it before Mrs. O finds out? |
| 1 | 8 | A cooking contest challenges Waffles and Mochi to make the tastiest corn dish they can. But to win, they'll need to do some serious research. |
| 1 | 9 | Waffles and Mochi face their fears on a mission to find more mushrooms for the store by talking to experts who are putting the "fun" in fungi. |
| 1 | 10 | A special dinner to say thank you to all the friends they've made sends Waffles and Mochi in search of water — the world's most important ingredient. |
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.