Astronomy and Zodiac Signs, Importance of Play, Christmas Around the World, Holiday Self-Defense and Safety, Christmas in Germany, Making Good Financial Habits

Astronomy and Zodiac Signs (0:00:00) We all know someone (or maybe that someone is ourselves) that knows everything there is to know about horoscopes.  Mention to them that you were born in March, and soon you’ll know why your ability to concentrate is because you’re an Aries rising. But do our zodiac signs come from true astronomy? Dr. Sten Odenwald, an astronomer at the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, joins us to talk about where our zodiac signs come from and how it relates to us. Importance of Play (0:16:39) Playtime is important! Taking time out of our busy and structured lives to allow our children to explore and grow of their own accord is vital to their development. But how do we find time for it? With us is psychologist Peter Gray, who specializes in children’s development through unstructured time. Christmas Around the World (0:35:41) Friend of the show Carrie Ann Rhodes shares Christmas traditions from all over the world. Holiday Self-Defense and Safety (0:50:37) ‘Tis the season for shopping! And for some… stealing. Did you know that during the holiday season there’s usually a significant rise in crime? There’s so much holiday shopping to be done--which means more money out on the streets and more valuables to be brought home. So how can we be sure we’re staying safe as we’re out and about this holiday season? Here to share his tips with us is Damian Ross, founder of the Self Defense Company. Christmas in Germany (1:07:41) We all love our own Christmas traditions, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in a different part of the world? Christmas in Europe is a little different from Christmas in the United States. We’ve invited Dr. Sonja Poulter, who grew up in Germany, onto our show to discuss German Christmas traditions.  Making Good Financial Habits (1:23:37) Many of the things we do during the day are just habits that we’ve formed over time, but what about when it comes to spending or saving money? You may not even be thinking about it but we all have financial