Advertise on podcast: Surf Soup Talk Story

Welcome to the official introduction to the Surf Soup® Universe, a giant connected world of books, animation, music, storytelling, island adventures, unforgettable characters, and imagination built across decades of creativity by Emmy-honored and Oscar-qualified animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau. What began as hand-drawn sketches slowly evolved into an expanding universe of over 100 books, animated shorts, TV development, original characters, island lore, music, publishing projects, and creative world-building now connected together in one place for the very first time. Enter Surf Soup® Island and discover a world where books become worlds, stories become adventures, and imagination lives forever. Explore the island universe Discover Surf Soup® books and characters Dive into animation and Surf Soup® TV Experience music, storytelling, and adventure Follow the growing creative world behind Surf Soup® Meet Koa, Eggoh, Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie Donna, island legends, surfers, dreamers, inventors, musicians, sea creatures, and unforgettable adventures that continue expanding across the Surf Soup® Universe. Whether you're discovering Surf Soup® for the first time or returning to the island again, welcome to the adventure. https://Surfsoup.tv

Welcome back to the show. Today we are celebrating a major Surf Soup® milestone with the official hardcover announcement for Surf Soup® Magical Lair volumes 1 through 15. The magical world of Surf Soup® Magical Lair continues to expand with original island adventures, imagination, creativity, humor, and storytelling created by Emmy-honored and Oscar-qualified animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau. For the first time, volumes 1 through 15 are now available in hardcover editions as part of the growing Surf Soup® publishing universe. Surf Soup® Magical Lair blends fantasy, adventure, island storytelling, and hand-drawn creativity into an expanding world connected to the larger Surf Soup® universe of books, animation, music, and original characters. Join us as we celebrate the continuing growth of the Surf Soup® universe and the release of the Surf Soup® Magical Lair hardcover collection. https://surfsoup.tv

👉 BACK THE KICKSTARTER HERE: ⁠https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/surfsoup/surf-soup-tv-book-animation-collector-cards⁠ The official Surf Soup® TV Book Animation Collector Cards deck is coming to Kickstarter on Monday, June 15, 2026!Created by Emmy-honored author, illustrator, and TV animation veteran Donna Kay Lau, this premium deck features 55 unique, full-color original characters. This project is a major milestone for the Surf Soup brand, bringing these vibrant animation characters to life in a tangible, premium collector's item. ⏰ EARLY BIRD WARNING: Back the campaign within the first 48 hours of launch to lock in special promotional launch pricing! 👉 BACK THE KICKSTARTER HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/surfsoup/surf-soup-tv-book-animation-collector-cards What’s inside the Surf Soup Deck?• 55 unique, full-color animation cards.• Original artwork by TV animation veteran Donna Kay Lau.• Limited-edition collector's items for fans and art lovers.Subscribe for more animation updates, behind-the-scenes art, and Surf Soup news!#SurfSoup #Kickstarter #AnimationArt #CollectorCards #DonnaKay Lau #IndieAnimation #ArtDeck

Surf Soup® Additional expands the growing Surf Soup® universe with more original stories, characters, island adventures, creativity, and hand-drawn storytelling from Emmy-honored and Oscar-qualified animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau. The Surf Soup® series continues to grow through books, animation, music, storytelling, publishing, and creative world-building connected across the Surf Soup® universe. The entire Surf Soup® series is now available in hardcover editions, offering readers and collectors a new way to experience the expanding island world of Surf Soup®. Explore the continuing adventures, imagination, and creativity behind the Surf Soup® universe. https://Surfsoup.tv

Unleash Your Imagination! Surf Soup TV and the Magical Hair Dream Party Book Launch Get ready for the ultimate dream party! Today we are officially launching Book 11, Volume 15 in the Surf Soup® series: Surf Soup TV and the Magical Hair Dream Party. This brand-new story is all about building confidence, unlocking imagination, and inspiring kids to share their biggest dreams with the world.Follow Koa as he stands on the beach of Surf Soup Island, wondering what kids dream about becoming. Is it a world-class surfer? A famous singer? A brilliant author? Suddenly, his magical hair begins to wiggle and transforms into a shining pop star stage, a giant tower of books, and a massive rocket ship blasting into space!As Surf Soup says, "Every dream begins with an idea." But what happens when kids are afraid to share those dreams? Read along to find out how the dream party saves the day! It's the perfect story for bedtime, personal growth, and career inspiration. Take the Magic Further on Outschool!Parents, the story doesn't end with the page. I am also launching a live, interactive Dream Party Class on Outschool! Your kids can join me to boost their confidence, sketch their wildest dreams, and unleash their own imagination magic in a creative group setting.🔗 Grab Your Copy & Join the Class: https://outschool.com/parents/6189a7ae-e31f-451c-b2a1-da9d4b0474db/e39c3197-0bc5-4403-979d-0ec1f470ab4b?signup=false&usid=yIjQidTH&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=educator_share_parent_link Paperback ISBN: 978-1-967065-58-5 Hardback ISBN: 978-1-967065-83-7

Surf Soup® creator Donna Kay Lau announces the worldwide digital release of select Surf Soup® books across new platforms including Google Play Books, Kobo, and the official Surf Soup® merchant store. This first digital collection includes 10 core Surf Soup® titles celebrating creativity, surfing, family, culture, friendship, imagination, and environmental storytelling for readers of all ages. Featured titles include: • Surf Soup® Learn How to Surf • Eggoh Too! • Pickle Soup • Surf Soup® TV Plastic Island • Winnie the Pooh and Eggoh Too • Uprooted • Hope Seeds Hope for the Environment • Holo Holo the Flying Surf Van • Honi the Honu Turtle • Additional core Surf Soup® releases Now expanding worldwide on: Google Play Books Kobo Books Created by Emmy-honored animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau, Surf Soup® continues to grow through books, animation, music, podcasts, and global family storytelling. Visit: Surf Soup TV

🌏 INTRODUCING THE SURF SOUP® ASIAN ADVENTURES SIGNATURE HARDBACK COLLECTION! 🌏 Welcome back to Surf Soup® TV! In this episode, we are showcasing our premium, library-grade hardcover editions of the Surf Soup® Asian Adventures sub-series! Unlike traditional paperbacks that fold and wear over time, these special books were intentionally designed and published in high-quality collector's hardback formats from day one. Featuring rugged, full-art wraps, they are beautifully crafted to withstand years of heavy handling by enthusiastic young readers, busy elementary classrooms, and public library diversity shelves. 🎨 A MESSAGE FROM THE CREATOR: "I wrote and illustrated these stories using the fun, high-energy Surf Soup® cartoon style to give children an exciting window into Asian culture. Launching them exclusively in high-quality hardcover ensures these stories become long-lasting keepsakes that can be passed down from sibling to sibling, and generation to generation." — Donna Kay Lau, Emmy-Honored TV Animator, Author & Illustrator 🌏 INSIDE THE ASIAN ADVENTURES WORLD: Our stories blend real-world cultural traditions, history, and social-emotional learning (SEL) with whimsical cartoon fun: • Chinese Lunar New Year & Moon Day Adventures: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and a double-headed dragon. It even features "Instant Noodle Friends," where Auntie Donna hilariously turns into a packet of ramen to teach kids about teamwork! • Surf Soup® Tangyuan: A heartwarming Winter Solstice story following Little Donna and her Toisanese family rolling soft rice balls (Tong Yoon) to discover the warmth of family unity. • Making Surf Soup®: The inspiring, multi-page biographical hardcover tracing Donna Kay Lau's 30+ year path as a Chinese American woman overcoming hurdles in the television animation industry. https://Surfsoup.tv

BOOP! Welcome to a very special episode! We are officially opening the doors to the master control center of the SURF SOUP® UNIVERSE! Created by Emmy-honored and Oscar-qualified animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau, this exclusive Collector’s Series Fan Guide is your ultimate backstage pass to the animation studio. In this video, I'm breaking down how this guide connects over 100 books, original tracks, and animated shorts into one giant tropical ecosystem. What we explore in this episode:  The Island Map & Lore: Navigate the tropical shores of Surf Soup Island. Meet the Crew: Get up close with Koa, EggOh, and your favorite characters. The Book & Music Vault: Explore the Magical Hair series and stream the tracks! This book is your invitation to believe in yourself, trust your unique voice, and protect our beautiful blue planet. Open up, tune in, and keep the soup simmering! 👉 Grab your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HL893RKJ👉 Explore the magic at: https://surfsoup.tv👉 Watch me draw live on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/surfsouptv  Follow the Surf Soup Adventure:Instagram: @SurfSoup #Animation #IndieAnimation #SurfSoup #DonnaKayLau #CharacterDesign #ChildrensBooks #Podcast #ArtistVlog #AAPIArtist

🌎 LAUNCHING TODAY! Start your global ocean adventure with the official Surf Soup TV Passport! 🏄‍♂️✨Grab your ticket to the universe and access our official launch campaign page here:👉 https://mailchi.mp/0e8f8e11cfb3/surf-soup-tv-passportCreated by Emmy-honored and Oscar-qualified television animator, director, and author Donna Kay Lau (whose production credits include pipeline work on Dora the Explorer, CatDog, Regular Show, Generator Rex, Oswald the Octopus, and Ben 10 Ultimate Alien), this interactive companion guide and visual reading roadmap serves as a tactile bridge connecting digital storytelling with physical, screen-free creativity. Inside the Surf Soup TV Passport, young explorers will dive into the core foundational themes of our sprawling 100+ volume multi-media universe—including ocean conservation, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and cross-cultural self-advocacy. 📚 What You’ll Discover Inside:• Meet Koa: Get to know the main hero of Surf Soup through an engaging character page.• The Book Series Roadmap: A visual guide to help you navigate and track your reading milestones.• Interactive Activities & Puzzles: Hand-drawn coloring sheets designed to inspire young artists.• Convenient Home Printing Access: Includes an internal QR code linking directly to a downloadable PDF version of the book's pages, making it easy to print your favorite sheets from home!Perfect for elementary school classrooms, homeschool art lessons, or family storytime, this passport is a fun, immersive sandbox that naturally supports neurodivergent and diverse learning spaces nationwide. 🎨 Connect with the Surf Soup Universe:• Main Hub Website: https://surfsoup.tv• Full Professional Portfolio & Bio: https://imdb.me/DonnakayLau• Watch Us Live: Join EggOh and me on Twitch Saturdays at 10:30 AM PST and YouTube @surfsouptv for live animation studio streams!https://twitch.tv/surfsouptvOpen your passport, unleash your inner artist, and begin your creative ocean journey with us today! Don't forget to LIKE, COMPANION SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more animation updates!#SurfSoupTV #BookLaunch #KidsBooks #ArtEducation #Mindfulness #DiverseBooks #DonnaKayLau #AnimationStudio #HomeschoolResources #ClassroomTools

The studio doors are officially open! 🚪✨ In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on a project months in the making: the official launch of the Surf Soup® VTuber channel!Watch out, because our favorite mischievous rooster-peacock hybrid, EggOH, has completely jumped off the sketchbook pages and taken over the live streaming studio. Tune in as we discuss what it takes to bring a traditional animation character into the world of virtual streaming. We are talking character rigging, setting up the digital open studio space, and creating an interactive environment dedicated to live drawing, gaming, and spreading good vibes.The signal is live, the avatar is loaded, and we are ready to connect with you in real-time. Listen to the breakdown, then come hang out with us live!👇 COME STREAM WITH US: Watch the Studio Reveal Video: [Insert YouTube Link Here]Catch the Next Live Stream on Twitch: twitch.tv ➡️ (Look for the OFFICIAL link!)Follow the Studio Updates: https://surfsoup.tvJoin the Conversation on Instagram: @SurfSoup

EggOH only needed one page to change everything! Welcome back to the show. Today, we are celebrating a massive milestone in the Surf Soup® universe: the official hybrid launch of Surf Soup®: EggOH Just Wanted to Broadcast Love.This unique release functions as both a regular book and a live comic story, taking you behind the scenes of Auntie’s quiet art studio. When Auntie was too afraid to begin drawing, a tiny yellow chick popped out of her sketchbook with a microphone and a massive dream to share love across every screen imaginable.Now, that dream is a reality! EggOH has officially made the leap from comic strip panels to your live screen as an interactive VTuber. You can now connect, chat, and create directly with EggOH and Auntie across multiple platforms.What to expect in this hybrid experience:The Story: A heartwarming tale about creativity, courage, and overcoming the fear of a blank page.The Comic: High-energy panels where EggOH interacts with live chat bubbles.The VTuber Streams: Real-time interactive broadcasts where you can watch, draw, and chat.✨ Remember: You don’t need a massive setup to share your voice. Sometimes, one page is all you need to start broadcasting love.🔗 Links & Resources:Official Website & Live Schedule: SurfSoup.tv/live-surf-soup-tvCatch EggOH Live: Tune in on IRIAM, Twitch, and YouTube Live!If you enjoyed EggOH's story, please hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and share this with a fellow creator! https://surfsoup.tv

In this episode I share a quiet behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind Surf Soup®. Over the past week I’ve been building out a series of bedtime lullabies, recording storytelling excerpts from Good Night Oatmeal, and organizing the growing Surf Soup® world across my website, videos, and podcast. While the main focus remains the Surf Soup TV animated series, these smaller creative pieces — stories, music, and sleep content — help keep the island alive while the larger animation work continues. This episode also includes a short lullaby snippet from the Surf Soup® sleep series and a reflection on the creative rhythm of building a world over time. Thanks for listening and being part of the journey. https://Surfsoup.tv

Welcome back to the studio! In today's episode, we are celebrating a massive milestone for the Surf Soup® Book Series with the official launch and trailer release of "Surf Soup®: EggOH Just Wanted to Broadcast Love" by Emmy-honored animator Donna Kay Lau.Before the massive world of Surf Soup® came to life, it all started in a quiet studio with a single blank page and a tiny yellow chick with a giant mission. This episode takes you behind the scenes of this brand-new live comic story—a heartwarming adventure celebrating creativity, courage, and finding your voice. It reminds young creators and dreamers everywhere that you don't need everything to begin... sometimes, one page is enough to start broadcasting love.Tune in to hear how this story came together, and make sure to head over to our channels to watch the official animated book trailer!👇 ORDER THE BOOK & WATCH THE TRAILER: Watch the Official Book TrailerOrder Your Copy of EggOH: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1967065764 Explore the Entire Universe: https://surfsoup.tvFollow on Instagram: @SurfSoup

THE RAW TRUTH: NO GAINS, JUST OUTPUT, AND THE "WHY" THAT KEEPS ME PADDLING 🌊 Welcome back to the Surf Soup® TV Podcast with Emmy-honored TV animation veteran Donna Kay Lau. In this deeply personal episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the raw reality of building an independent media empire from Auntie’s Art Studio. If you look at our official press page at https://surfsoup.tv, you’ll see a massive list of achievements: a library of 88+ children’s books, premium collector’s hardbacks, a finished "Making Surf Soup 2" memoir, fully structured Kickstarter campaigns, and a completed VTuber avatar setup. On paper, it looks like an absolute powerhouse. But behind the screen? The truth is, I am completely, deeply exhausted. Lately, it feels like all output and no gains. I am pouring my heart, soul, and resources into this universe, paddling as hard as I can against a heavy tide. And the reason it’s so heavy is because I am balancing this massive production line in the quiet, exhausting spaces in-between intense, full-time caregiving. So, why keep going? Because of the "Why." I wrote these books for the next generation using the fun, whimsical Surf Soup® style to teach ocean conservation, share my Chinese American heritage, and promote inclusion. I am doing the heavy lifting now to ensure these messages are preserved in permanent, long-lasting hardcovers that outlast us all. Despite the fatigue, the foundation is built and it is officially time to LAUNCH. Here is what is happening right now: 📺 SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 10:30 AM ON TWITCH: Join me live every single Saturday! I am stepping into my new VTubing space to stream, draw on Procreate, and chat with you in real-time. 🎨 OUTSCHOOL CREATIVE CLASSES: I am launching an exciting Outschool class for older kids (ages 12-18)! It’s a "come as you are" dress-up party and creative goal-setting workshop where I’ll be mentoring young artists and sharing my 30+ years of animation studio experience. 📚 NEW BOOK NEXT: The production line never stops. My brand-new book is entering the launch queue next to expand our hardcover family. Once this wave of backend publishing settles, I am pivoting my focus straight back to what I love most: creating animated shorts and telling the Surf Soup® story in pure motion. Thank you for standing by me through the caregiving, the quiet blocks, and the big launches. We are building a legacy that will last forever. We are all in the surf soup together! 🐥🌊 🔗 EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE: 🌐 Official Website: https://surfsoup.tv 🎮 Twitch Streams: Saturdays at 10:30 AM 🛒 Shop Hardbacks: Search "Surf Soup Hardcover" on Amazon & Barnes & Noble! Or YOUR FAVORITE BOOK STORES ASK FOR SURF SOUP®️ #SurfSoupTV #Podcast #DonnaKayLau #CaregiverArtist #IndependentAuthor #VTubing #OutschoolTeacher #ChildrensBooks #OceanConservation #AnimationLegacy

.🌊 WE HIT THE BESTSELLER CHARTS! #36 ON AMAZON! 🎨✨Hi everyone, I am Donna Kay Lau, the creator of the Surf Soup book series. If there is one thing the Surf Soup world teaches us, it’s that we have to learn to celebrate everything—especially the small, beautiful moments along the way. And today, I am celebrating a big, beautiful moment. Because of your incredible love, our book, Surf Soup Red Egg and Ginger Party, just climbed all the way to number 36 on the Amazon bestseller list!When I saw our little book sitting right there on the charts next to timeless classics like Lion Dancer, I honestly had to pinch myself. As an indie author, every single step forward is a victory, and I am pausing today just to look at this milestone, smile, and say thank you to every single one of you who bought a copy, shared the links, or read it to your little ones.For those who are new to the Surf Soup world, let me tell you a little bit about what makes this specific story so special. Red Egg and Ginger Party introduces children to a beautiful, traditional Chinese celebration. Historically, when a baby reaches their first month of life, families host a massive party to welcome them into the community, bless them with good health, and introduce them to their ancestors.We color eggs bright red because red symbolizes joy, luck, and new life. And we include ginger because it represents health and longevity. In this book, our characters dive headfirst into these traditions, learning about the sights, the smells, the family bonds, and the deep roots of our culture. I wrote this because representation matters. I wanted children of Asian heritage to see their families reflected beautifully on the page, and I wanted children from all backgrounds to experience the joy of learning a new tradition.Creating this book was a true labor of love. I spent countless hours sketching these characters, choosing colors that felt alive, and writing a story that bridges generational gaps. Hitting number 36 proves that people want stories like this. Parents, teachers, and librarians are looking for meaningful, diverse books that entertain while they educate. And right now, we have an incredible opportunity. We are so close to the top of the charts. We can feel that number one spot just within our reach.In life, we don't just celebrate when we cross the ultimate finish line; we celebrate the waves we ride to get there. Pushing for that number one spot isn't just about a badge on a website—it's about celebrating how far a community-driven story can go. My ultimate goal is to push Surf Soup Red Egg and Ginger Party to number one, and we can do it together without spending a single dollar on ads!👇 HOW WE CAN HIT #1 TOGETHER FOR FREE:1️⃣ LEAVE A REVIEW: If you already own the book, the most powerful thing you can do right now is leave an honest review on Amazon. Reviews tell the platform that this book matters, and it pushes us straight to the top of search results.2️⃣ SHARE THIS VIDEO: If you don't have the book yet, you can still help for free! Just hit the share button on this video. Send it to a parent, a teacher, a grandparent, or an elementary school librarian who loves diverse children's literature.Thank you for teaching me to celebrate everything, for loving the Surf Soup series, and for being part of this journey. Let’s keep paddling forward together, and I'll see you in the surf! Remember …we are all in the surf soup together -happy Surfing! 🌊🏄‍♀️📚 Get your copy on Amazon & help us hit #1: amazon.com🌐 Visit Surf Soup TV: surfsoup.tv#SurfSoup #DonnaKayLau #RedEggAndGingerParty #AmazonBestseller #AAPIHeritage #DiverseBooks #IndieAuthor #ChildrensBooks #RepresentationMatters