Can humans grow fur? Is snow really white? What would happen if someone cracked the Earth? These are some of the mind-blowing questions that are both asked and answered on TVO Kids’ new show, FINDING STUFF OUT. Hosted by Harrison Houde (DIARY OF A WIMPY KID), this energetic show answers questions in a fun, entertaining, even musical way.
The Mag got the chance to find out more stuff about its host, Harrison! Here’s what he had to say about science, movie making, and more:
What do you love about hosting FINDING STUFF OUT?
My favorite thing about hosting FINDING STUFF OUT is that I get to talk to experts on ALL sorts of different subjects and learn so many cool things! It is a lot of fun being able to talk to these people, which if I wasn’t the host of FINDING STUFF OUT, wouldn’t be able to! I also love that I get to make music for each episode, and just everything about hosting it is so much fun!
What’s the most insane thing you’ve learned while working on the show?
The most insane thing I found while doing the show is that there are storm chasers who get so close to storms and sometimes actually have to escape them. Very dangerous!
How is FINDING STUFF OUT different from other educational shows?
FINDING STUFF OUT is VERY different from ALL other educational shows. Mainly because I host the show, (I am pretty sure no other educational shows have me in them), all joking aside! FSO also includes a lot of fun, light hearted comedy, and I actually answer what matters most to the kids at home and makes learning a lot of fun.
Who are some of the notable people in your life who have taught you stuff?
Some of the most notable people who have taught me stuff would be my Dad and my Mom, my sister, and everyone who I have met and worked with in my life. You can learn something new and interesting from EVERYONE you meet.
Is it true that you write some of the educational raps in the program? Are they difficult to write?
Yes! I write a lot of the songs in the series! Not all of them I would consider “raps” but songs, tunes, whatever you want to call them! As for them being hard to write, they aren’t that hard. I always have had fun writing songs, and composing. I have been playing piano since I was 4, and Drums since I was 11. So between the two, I can usually create something!
What’s your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school…hmm.. I am going to have to give a tie to English, and Jazz Band.
Who are some of your personal favourite musicians?
I currently really can’t think of any musicians that are my favorite! But, I can list a few bands that I really like at the moment: DeadMau5, I Fight Dragons, Skrillex, and Coldplay.
You also have your own film production company, is there anything you’re working on for that right now?
Yes! I have been working on a lot of things! But my newest and most ambitious project I am just starting is called “A Teenager Can Make A Feature Film” and if you couldn’t guess from the title, I am trying to make a feature film! You can check out more of the projects I am working on including that one at my website www.HarrisonHoude.com.
What advice could you give to other kids your age who want to learn how to make films?
Just grab a camera, any one will do, and start filming! You will probably learn the most by just doing, and the more you do the more you learn. You can also learn a lot of techniques and tips online! There are tons to learn, and if you put a lot of effort into whatever you do, you can make something great!
What are your top three favourite movies of all time?
1. Ferris Buellers Day Off.
2. Harry Potter (All of them)
3. Indiana Jones
Thank you, Harrison! Check out FINDING STUFF OUT Fridays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 9:30am on TVO or watch the whole first episode at tvokids.com.