The Anniversary Brothers Podcast: Gullah Gullah Island 30th Anniversary

Aaron and Josh Sarnecky are here to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gullah Gullah Island. Gullah Gullah Island is a musical children’s program created by Maria Magdalena Perez, Kathleen Minton Catapano, and Kit Laybourne. It premiered on Nick Jr. on October 24, 1994.  Gullah Gullah Island is inspired by the Gullah culture of St. Helena Island, South Carolina. It centers on Ron Alston (Ron Daise) and Natalie Alston (Natalie Daise), who teach their kids and the kids at home valuable lessons through song.  Joining in the fun is the giant frog Binyah Binyah (Philip D. Garcia, Justin Campbell). Vanessa Baden, who portrays Vanessa Alston, also starred in Nickelodeon’s Kenan & Kel.  Gullah Gullah Island was positively received by critics, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Series in 1997, as well as nominations for multiple NAACP Image Awards. Aaron and Josh talk about their history with the show, the first episode, the music, and the show’s incorporation of the Gullah culture. They also discuss the show’s appeal and availability on streaming. For more kid shows, you can listen to Aaron and Josh’s podcasts on Rugrats and The Magic School Bus. Gullah Gullah Island is streaming on Paramount+