Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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Nichelle Nichols | Star Trek Trailblazer and NASA Advocate Jun 15, 2023

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A story of boldly going where no one had gone before! Nichelle Nichol’s role as Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek series was groundbreaking. Civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. praised her work for defying stereotypes and revolutionizing portrayals of Black individuals on television. Her influence and advocacy for more diversity at NASA sparked new interest in space travel and helped to recruit brilliant STEM talents like Dr. Sally Ride, Colonel Guion Bluford, and Mae Jemison.
SUMMARY: While Jonathan and Mr. Redge are at the Once Upon a Time Con, they come across an artist booth called Deep Space Drawings by Deanna. They meet Deanna, who is a fan of Star Trek and has created artwork inspired by the series. They share Nichelle Nichols story and her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura and how it was one of the first non-stereotypical portrayals of a Black woman on television. They also talk about how Martin Luther King Jr. convinced Nichelle Nichols to stay on the show because of the positive impact her character had on the civil rights movement. Besides her role as Uhura, Nichelle Nichols also created new interest in space exploration and opened the doors of opportunity for more people of color to work at NASA.

Impressed by Deanna's art and inspired by the story of Nichelle Nichols, Redge decides to purchase some of Deanna's paintings. He declares himself a Trekkie and expresses his eagerness to explore space. The episode concludes with the hosts and Deanna bidding farewell and wishing each other to "live long and prosper." They then head to the Cosplay competition, with Redge's dragon costume expected to be a top contender.
Go to the episode webpage:https://jonincharacter.com/nichelle-nichols/
If you liked this story about a hidden hero of history who inspired space exploration, you may also like Episode 5 on Mary Golda Ross, whose pioneering work helped put humans into space: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-golda-ross/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Madison Smith from All Things Madison and ShopMadisonLauren.com who voiced the character, Deanna. All other characters are performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

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Eel for One and One for Eel! | Three Musketeers Adventure Jun 01, 2023

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From swashbuckling Musketeers' swordplay to good deed doing, our Folktale Forest friends are having a rousting adventure as the “Three Hedgeketeers.” But what started out as a rollicking good time by the lake has turned into a sinister soaking splash fight! Will hot tempers ruin the fun? Or will their "all for one, and one for all" oath to each other ultimately save the day?
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This original tale takes young listeners into the Dorktales version of a Three Musketeers story. One of the characters resorts to being mean when they feel left out of a day of fun but has the opportunity to express their feelings. There's a lesson in the power of being inclusive and inviting others to join in the fun.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/eel-for-one/
If you liked this story, you may also enjoy Episode 68 Where’s Wabbitson where Moray-eel-arty makes his debut as Sherlock’s archnemesis who gets blamed for Wabbitson’s mysterious disappearance: https://jonincharacter.com/wheres-wabbitson/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and edited and produced by Molly Murphy. All characters are performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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Where’s Wabbitson? | Sherlock Holmes Mystery Stories for Kids May 18, 2023

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The game's afoot again, but this time the great squirrel detective, Sherlock Nettlesbee, is feeling too frantic to solve an important mystery. His trusty companion, John Wabbitson, is missing! Presuming the worst, Sherlock is convinced that it’s the fiendish work of the evil Moray-eel-arty. Can he remain calm and follow the clues to the right conclusion? Or will worry slither him into his scariest thoughts?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This original tale takes young listeners into the Dorktales version of a Sherlock mystery. There is a lesson on what happens when you let your fears get the best of you, causing you to make assumptions and leap to the wrong conclusions. This is what happens to Sherlock, a character who is very methodical and thoughtful, but fears the worst when his best friend, Wabbitson, appears to be missing. He does the right thing when he asks his friends for help.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/wheres-wabbitson/
If you liked this Sherlock Nettlesbee story, you may also enjoy Episode 51 Mary Had a Little Yes, And. Sherlock joins Jonathan and Mr. Redge in an afternoon of imagination and good old-fashioned make believe: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-had-a-little-yes-and/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Eric O’Keeffe from What If World podcast for voicing Sherlock Nettlesbee. All characters are performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Special Delivery | Road Trip Adventure Stories for Kids May 04, 2023

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No snow, rain, heat nor gloom of night will keep Harold the Hare Mail carrier and Reginald T. Hedgehog from heralding the news across Once Upon a Time! They hop on board the O.U.T.P.S. (Once Upon a Time Postal Service) truck to spend the day chugga-chugga, honk, HONKing across the Parchment Pass. Ride along as they enjoy many sights and meet great citizen critters while dutifully delivering the mail throughout Mythdom, Litropia, the Typographic Islands and beyond.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This original tale takes young listeners into Dorktales’ fantastical immersive world of “Once Upon a Time” to encourage their creativity and expand their imaginations. After listening to this story, here are some questions you can ask:

What was your favorite stop on the Once Upon a Time Postal Service’s route?
Who was your favorite character who got their special delivery?
If you were able to stop in Once Upon a Time for a visit, what would you like to do there?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/special-delivery/

If you liked this story that takes you into Dorktales’ imaginary land, you may also like Episode 50 The Magical Doorway. It’s how Jonathan discovered Once Upon a Time and Mr. Redge became his best hedgehog buddy and storytelling pal: https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. All characters are performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

Support the show

REACH OUT!

Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new
Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

The Valley Hen Taylor | Fairy Tale Stories for Kids Apr 20, 2023

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Taylor the Valley Hen is new to the neighborhood, and even though she’s got plenty to be proud of, she’s still nervous about making new friends. When the giants hear about her spectacular six-grain feat, they invite her to boogie down at the biggest bash ever! Taylor fears she’ll look foolish at the party and no one will like her. Will her nerves get the best of her, or will she find the courage to be herself and dance her way into some wonderful new friendships?

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/the-valley-hen-taylor/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales66funsheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep66freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode is a reimagined fairy tale based on Grimm’s The Valiant Taylor. It’s about finding the courage to make new friends in a new situation and not letting fear of rejection stop you. Taylor builds her own self-confidence by recognizing her own strengths and deciding to be herself rather than trying to impress others. The giants model how being welcoming and accepting can help newcomers feel comfortable enough to be themselves.

IF YOU LIKED THIS STORY about a brave hen, you may also like this stories for kids episode about an overly anxious hen in EP26 The Great Acorn Incident. It’s our reimagined folk tale traditionally known as Henny Penny or Chicken Little: https://jonincharacter.com/the-great-acorn-incident/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Dr. Patricia Bath | Eye Doctor and Laser Eye Inventor Apr 06, 2023

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A story that will open your eyes to scientific imagination! Dr. Patricia Bath was an ophthalmologist, inventor, and humanitarian who was dedicated to bettering the lives of others. She began in her teens by making an important discovery about the relationship between cancer, nutrition, and stress. Eye health became her priority as a doctor and she made sure care was accessible for those in underserved communities. Dr. Bath’s life was filled with achievements, including becoming the first Black female doctor to receive a patent. Her invention, a laser device to treat a common eye condition, restored the sight of many who had been blind for more than 30 years!

Go to the episode webpage:https://jonincharacter.com/dr-patricia-bath/
If you liked this story about a hidden hero of history in medicine, you may also like Episode 53 on Dr. Kazue Togasaki, the first Japanese American women to become a doctor in the United States: https://jonincharacter.com/kazue-togasaki/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

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Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new
Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Jabberwock This Way | Alice in Wonderland Adventures for Kids Mar 23, 2023

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OH NO! Alice accidentally summoned the Jabberwock who’s causing chaos across Wonderland. She’s frantic to banish the bullying beast when the Cheshire Cat pops in to lend a paw or… tail? Can this feline mischief-maker help Alice and her friends find a way out of this monster jam? Purrrhaps. Or, maybe what’s called for is a little curiosity and self-discovery to show Alice she already glows with the power to send the creature back to his home.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/jabberwock-this-way/

FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

WONDERLAND PLAYLIST: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-podcast-playlist-for-kids/
COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesWonderland
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep64freeFDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Jabberwock This Way is a reimagined story inspired by the poem "Jabberwocky" from Lewis Carroll's classic, Through the Looking Glass. This adventure explores how feelings of fear, shame, and self-doubt can grow after making a mistake. With the encouragement of trusted friends, Alice learns to challenge her negative self-talk, recognize her own strengths, and remember that asking for help is a sign of courage. Ultimately, she discovers that self-confidence, kindness, and believing in herself are the real sources of her greatest power.

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Sabrina Glow for voicing the character, Alice. All other characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

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Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Redge’s K.N.I.G.H.T. School | Brave Knight Stories for Kids Mar 09, 2023

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Welcome to Redge’s K.N.I.G.H.T. School, the Knowledgeably Noble Institution for Gallant Hero Training! Here Hedge Knights in training discover their own inner powers, cultivate their courage, celebrate everyone as they are, defend the realm from darkness, and BRAVELY bring about the light. Young Archie doubts he has the right stuff, afraid that he will never be worthy enough to take such a hedge pledge. He’s ready to leap when he learns that he already possesses exemplary knighthood qualities—a kind heart, the curiosity to learn, and the power of his own story!
This episode includes the song, Firefly Light, an anthem to our own heroic journeys and the importance of our communities and the stories we share together.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS: In our stories, we incorporate empowering messages and lessons for kids, especially those who are being marginalized and misunderstood. This is an important episode for our team because both of the voice actors are on the autism spectrum—one who is a seasoned professional and the other who is just beginning his acting career. They embody the themes in this story: to be yourself, share your gifts, empower others, and brave your fears to bring about the light. They are working together to find their places in a world that doesn’t always accept those who are different.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-knight-school/
If you liked this story, you may also like Episode 32 The Princess and the Pincushion, a reimagined fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea,” a lesson on true friendship and more knights’ fun, Huzzah! https://jonincharacter.com/the-princess-and-the-pincushion/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Langston Sardella who voiced the character Archie, the young hedge knight in training. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog was performed by Jonathan Cormur. The song ‘Firefly Light’ was written and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Monique Hafen Adams, Kristin Schmitz, and Molly Murphy. It features Phil Harris, guitar from E.W. Harris, and additional vocals from Jenni Messner and Dani Lencioni. It’s available at dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com. Sound recording and production for the episode by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

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Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Country Redge vs City Rodge | Country Mouse and City Mouse Fable Feb 23, 2023

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Rude! Ill-mannered! Uh oh! After only one night of their visit, Mr. Redge declares that his cozy, country inn experience is over for his city cousin, Rodge. It seems that these two are set on squabbling instead of enjoying their time together. Does Rodge really feel superior because he lives in Litropia and not the Folktale Forest? See how this tale of competing and comparisons turns into acts of mutual appreciation.
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story was inspired by Aesop’s fable, “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse.” The narrative illustrates how easy it is to make the wrong assumptions about someone else’s behavior, and how we can envy what others have instead of appreciating all the good things in our own lives. Be gracious and grateful instead of judgmental and resentful.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/country-redge-vs-city-rodge/
If you liked this story, you may also like Episode 45 A Fowl First Impression, a reimagined fable, “The Peacock and the Crane,” with a lesson on being too quick to cast judgments on others: https://jonincharacter.com/fowl-first-impression/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and edited by Molly Murphy. All characters are performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

Support the show

REACH OUT!

Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Groundbreaking Music Makers | Cultural Music Pioneers in History Feb 09, 2023

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We’ve got stories of chart-topping trailblazers! Ritchie Valens broke cultural barriers with his musical style, and sparked the game-changing Chicano rock movement. Carol Kaye was the only woman on the famous ‘Wrecking Crew’. Always in high-demand, she laid down iconic bass tracks during 10,000 recording sessions. Sister Rosetta Tharpe crossed boundaries in sound and performance to become the Godmother of Rock and Roll, and creator of one of the very first recorded rock tracks. These three groundbreaking music makers played to the beat of their own drums and changed the tune of music history forever.
Go to the episode webpage:https://jonincharacter.com/groundbreaking-music-makers/
If you liked this story about music making hidden heroes of history, you may also like Episode 8: Louis Armstrong, a man who built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music: https://jonincharacter.com/louis-armstrong/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur, Molly Murphy, Kristin Schmitz and Monique Hafen Adams. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

Support the show

REACH OUT!

Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new
Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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