Jamming on the Job Vol. 2
by Pierce Freelon & 123 Andres
Contact: Amelia Robinson
Email: ameliarobinson@gmail.com
Phone: 347 703 5207
Release: June 2, 2025
Want to Save American Jobs? Start by Saving PBS, Not Raising Tariffs, Say Co-Hosts of Jamming on the Job
New York, NY — May 8, 2025 — While the Trump administration touts tariffs as a tool to protect American jobs, the co-hosts of the PBS KIDS podcast Jamming on the Job argue the administration is missing the mark. Rather than helping American workers, cutting funding to PBS and public education is jeopardizing the very future workforce the country depends on.
Jamming on the Job is a joyful, music-filled podcast for kids ages 4–8 that introduces real-world professions through storytelling, catchy songs, and life lessons. Hosted by Grammy-nominated artist and educator Pierce Freelon and Grammy/Latin Grammy-winning duo 123 Andrés, the show empowers children to explore careers such as marine scientist or nurse practitioner —roles where the U.S. is facing critical shortages of skilled workers.
“You don’t create jobs by slashing education and raising tariffs,” says Freelon. “You create jobs by investing in kids’ imaginations. Our show gives children the tools to dream, explore, and prepare for real careers. But that only works if public media survives."
With over 26 million streams, Jamming on the Job has proven its reach. And now, the upcoming album Jamming on the Job, Vol. 2 (releasing June 2) builds on that success. Each song is tied to a specific job and essential life skill—from persistence and empathy to teamwork and creative thinking—skills that will remain relevant in a rapidly changing economy.
But that impact is at risk. The Trump administration’s executive order targeting PBS funding threatens to eliminate access to this type of programming that makes a common-sense investment in tomorrow’s workforce - our kids. In doing so, it risks widening the skills gap the U.S. is already facing.
“Tariffs don’t build a workforce,” says Andrés. “If we want to fill American jobs with American workers, we have to start young—by exposing kids to real careers early on. That’s exactly what Jamming on the Job does.”
If the goal is to strengthen the American workforce, we shouldn’t be cutting off its pipeline at the source. Jamming on the Job gives kids the building blocks to imagine themselves as tomorrow’s scientists, designers, engineers and innovators. Raising tariffs while cutting funding for early education is like trying to fix a leaky roof by locking the front door. If we want a strong future workforce, we need to invest in it from the start.
To listen or learn more, visit pbskids.org/jammingonthejob/about
ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Jamming on the Job is a music-fueled podcast adventure for kids ages 4–8, blending joyful beats, storytelling, and real-world career exploration. Produced by PBS-NCfor PBS KIDS and honored by the ALA in 2024, this award-winning podcast follows BoomBox, a beat-dropping robot, and his human co-hosts as they explore jobs across the world of work—highlighting life skills like empathy, persistence, and flexible thinking through music and play. After podcast success, Jamming on the Job is now touring live across the US, inspiring kids to dream big—one jam at a time.
→ Listen to the podcast: pbskids.org/jammingonthejob
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Pierce Freelon, who voices BoomBox, is a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and author known for his powerful storytelling and commitment to Afrofuturism and youth empowerment. His work spans music, animation, and community activism, all rooted in creative joy and cultural connection. piercefreelon.com
123 Andrés is the Grammy-winning duo of Andrés Salguero and Christina Sanabria, beloved for their bilingual music that celebrates language, culture, and learning. Their high-energy songs and deep connection with young audiences have earned them influencer status on social media and garnered a devoted fan base worldwide. 123andres.com
2025 TOUR DATES:
Beloit, WI – Saturday, June 7
Lincoln, NE – Sunday, June 22
Wilmington, NC – Friday, July 11
Rochester, NY – Thursday, July 31
Columbia, SC – Friday, August 8
Providence, RI – Saturday, August 16
ABOUT THE ALBUM:
Jamming on the Job, Vol. 2 drops on June 2, 2025 via Blackspace. This new album expands on the popular PBS KIDS podcast, featuring catchy songs about real-world careers and essential life skills like empathy, perseverance, and creativity. From Park Rangers to Marine Scientists, each track introduces kids to professions that celebrate deep human skills and inspire career exploration.
→ Listen to Jamming on the Job, Vol 2 here.
Artist: Pierce Freelon & 123 Andrés
Album title: Jamming on the Job, Vol. 2
Label: Blackspace
Executive producers: PBS KIDS and PBS-NC
Release date: June 2, 2025
Album Art: Alcides Urrutia, Pirata y Luna Estudio Creativo and Curious Media
Copyright 2025 @ All Rights Reserved
TRACK LIST (& Jobs!)
Park Ranger
Costume Designer
Wardrobe Poppin’
Music Therapist
Peaceful
Fundraiser
Plant Detective
Landscape Shake
Boom ba Boom
Marketing Director
Donut Shops
Marine Scientist
Video Game Designer
Music on a Computer