• 12 minutes 37 seconds
    Mr. Redge Hotline | Kids Podcast Q&A and Shout Outs

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    In this fall/winter edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, Jonathan and Redge answer listener questions about favorite trees, forest friends, quills, and Redge’s favorite color. They celebrate fans’ creative ideas, share the stories behind listener-inspired episodes, and give shout outs to fans from around the world. Plus, discover how to take part in the Dorktales community beyond listening to the Dorktales Storytime podcast!

    Stories for Kids Mentioned in this Episode:

    Keep the Dorktales Fun Going:

    • Visit our Dorktales Fan Page for bonus activities, listening challenges, playlists, printable rewards, and other fan-powered fun. You can also share artwork, suggest story ideas, and find ways to connect with Jonathan and Redge beyond the podcast: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
    • Have a question for Jonathan and Redge? Grownups, go to our fan page, email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on Spotify.

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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.

    REACH OUT!

    22 October 2026, 7:00 am
  • 14 minutes 40 seconds
    Jack and the Golden Ladder | Jack and the Beanstalk Stories for Kids

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    Mysterious thund-earths are shaking things up in the Folktale Forest and no one knows why. Jack suspects the Ogress is still angry over his shady shenanigans, so he builds a golden ladder to return to the land of the giants. Why would he ever want to go back? He’s on a mission to make amends for stealing a bag of gold, a hen that lays golden eggs and a golden harp. But he and his friends are in for an astonishing surprise when they discover that two big, very happy feet are the reason for all that rumbling!

    Looking for imaginative stories for kids? This fairy tale adventure brings Jack back to the land of the giants in a sequel to our Beanstalk episode, inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk. This time, Jack gets a chance at redemption as he tries to make amends with an ogress he wronged.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Jack and the Golden Ladder explores taking responsibility, making amends, and the unexpected outcomes of doing the right thing. As a sequel to Jack and the Beanstalk, it gives Jack a chance to acknowledge the harm he caused, sincerely apologize to the ogress, and return what he stole. When the characters assume the ogress’s anger is causing thunder and earthquakes, they also discover the importance of questioning assumptions and finding creative solutions.

    CREDITS: This stories for kids episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Monique Hafen Adams, directed and produced by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    15 October 2026, 7:00 am
  • 31 minutes 23 seconds
    Beanstalk (Classic) | Fairy Tale Stories for Kids

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    Meet Jack. Is he daft or the dealmaker of the century when he sells his cow for 5 beans? His mother thinks he’s out of his mind until they sprout into a giant beanstalk that reaches the sky, where he discovers a giant castle filled with bags of gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and a magical golden harp! Despite a kind welcome from the ogress, Jack keeps sneaking into the castle and taking its treasures so he and his mom can have a lovely cottage with all the modern conveniences…an outhouse, outdoor patio and jacuzzi.

    This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode is our classic retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. It originally appeared in Season 1 when Jonathan and Redge were just beginning their storytelling adventures together. 

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This stories for kids episode is a retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. It explores difficult choices, kindness, consequences, and perspective. Jack is trying to help his mother during a time when their family is struggling, but his choices also affect other people. The ogress, in particular, treats Jack with kindness by giving him food and protecting him from the ogre, even as Jack repeatedly takes things from her household. The story's ending invites listeners to look beyond the traditional hero-and-villain roles and consider how the same events might look from another character's point of view. 

    CREDITS: This fairy tale episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Karen Simpson Gardiner. All characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    8 October 2026, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 36 seconds
    Haunting of Raven’s Roost | Haunted House Halloween Stories for Kids

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    Redge has a mop and a dream! He wants to turn Raven’s Roost mansion into a beautiful bed and breakfast for the magical and mysterious residents of the Foreshadow. Even the raven’s warning of spirits, ghouls, and frights dwelling within won’t keep him and Jonathan from their cleanup. But when flying sponges, dancing mops, a piano that plays itself, and an endless hallway send them scrambling, they realize that the house may be unfixable. Can they convince its ghostly resident to stop haunting and help them turn the eerie estate into a wicked and welcoming haunted country inn?

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Halloween stories for kids episode explores how fear and first impressions can make it difficult to understand what is really happening. Jonathan and Redge initially see Walter as a frightening ghost who is trying to chase them away, but once they uncover his connection to Raven’s Roost, they learn that he has his own hopes for the house. By listening to Walter and working together, they turn a frightening misunderstanding into a creative collaboration.

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

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    1 October 2026, 7:00 am
  • 15 minutes 41 seconds
    Maple Leaf Legends | Autumn Stories for Kids

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    As soon as the leaves fall, the Folktale Forest hedgehogs turn them into maple leaf medals. They award them to the trees every autumn for their exemplary service to the land and its critters. Now, Jonathan and Mr. Redge are adding to this annual tradition by honoring the unique talents and contributions of their forest friends. And what better way to celebrate than a razzle-dazzling awards show with dancing trios, wonderful wordsmiths, astonishing acrobats, and one famous rooster whose cockadoodle-do doesn’t miss a beat.

    This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode celebrates autumn’s season of gratitude.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This fall stories for kids episode celebrates gratitude by showing kids how appreciation can be expressed through recognizing the unique qualities and contributions of others. The story begins with the Folktale Forest hedgehogs honoring the trees for all they provide, then expands the tradition into a talent show celebrating the forest critters many different abilities. Kids can see that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that taking the time to notice and celebrate those qualities can help others feel appreciated and valued.

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

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    24 September 2026, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 21 seconds
    The Loch Ness Legend | Mythical Creature Stories for Kids

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    Nessie comes to Legend Lake every summer for one thing: some peace and quiet! All she wants is some time alone to study the amazing rock collection she found deep in the hidden caves beneath her loch. But when a crowd of mythical creatures shows up hoping to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster, her safe haven turns into a chaotic mess. Her friends try to help, but their diversion just makes things worse. Now, Nessie must find the courage to step out of the shadows and show everyone there’s more to her than her legend.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This mythical creatures stories for kids episode explores boundaries, self-advocacy, empathy, and the importance of respecting others’ needs. It shows why having a place where you can feel safe and comfortable matters. Listeners are reminded that there is more to a person than the assumptions or labels others may place on them.

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

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    17 September 2026, 7:00 am
  • 19 minutes 21 seconds
    The Great Acorn Incident (Classic) | Henny Penny Folk Tale Stories for Kids

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    When an acorn strikes a blow onto Henny Penny’s head, she mistakenly fears the worst and believes that the whole sky is falling! As she waddles off to warn the farmyard, her fine-feathered friends join in the panic. When a fiendish fox offers to help, Henny Penny realizes that she and her bird buddies are in for some real trouble. Can her sense of danger help her save the day? 

    This stories for kids episode, The Great Acorn Incident, is a Dorktales Classic reimagining of Henny Penny or Chicken Little.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode is a reimagined traditional European folktale, Henny Penny or Chicken Little. It explores worry, anxiety, uncertainty, and how strong feelings can sometimes make a situation seem much bigger or scarier than it really is. The story also shows that fear can sometimes be an important signal when something truly feels unsafe and dangerous.

    IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, you may also like this stories for kids episode about a hen who was brave enough to be herself in EP66 The Valley Hen Taylor: https://jonincharacter.com/the-valley-hen-taylor/

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

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    10 September 2026, 7:00 am
  • 15 minutes 19 seconds
    Dr. Fe Del Mundo | Filipina Pediatrician, History Stories for Kids

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    A tale of a trailblazing Filipina doctor and her life-saving invention! Inspired by her sister’s dream of becoming a doctor, Dr. Fe Del Mundo devoted her life to helping children. She broke barriers to study medicine and became the first Filipino and first person of Asian background to study at Harvard University. In the Philippines, she cared for children during World War II, opened the first pediatric hospital, and brought healthcare to children in rural communities. She also invented an incubator that didn’t need electricity, using bamboo baskets, hot water bottles, and other simple materials. Her remarkable work saved countless lives and earned her the title of National Scientist of the Philippines.

    CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. This history stories for kids episode was written by Rebecca Cunningham, directed and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    3 September 2026, 7:00 am
  • 12 minutes 38 seconds
    The Valley Hen Taylor (Classic) | Fairy Tale Stories for Kids

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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?

    This stories for kids episode, The Valley Hen Taylor, is a Dorktales Classic reimagining of the Grimm’s fairy tale, The Valiant Tailor.

    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.

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    27 August 2026, 7:00 am
  • 22 minutes 8 seconds
    Ariel’s Day Out | Little Mermaid Stories for Kids

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    Redge is taking Ariel, the little mermaid, on a photography adventure through Once Upon a Time to find the most magical and extraordinary things the land has to offer. Her search quickly turns into a day of delightful distractions, from flipping flapjacks at Granny’s Diner, to exploring little thing-a-ma-jigs in the community garden, to having fits of fascination over the library. As Ariel zooms in on unexpected details, she discovers that magical moments can be found in the most ordinary places.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This little mermaid adventure stories for kids encourages them to slow down, pay attention to the world around them, and find magic in everyday moments. Ariel’s fascination with everyday objects highlights the value of observation and perspective-taking. When Ariel worries that she has failed at her photography mission, Redge helps her reframe her disappointment and recognize she did achieve what she set out to do, even though the day didn’t go as planned. 

    CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written by Kristin Schmitz and Molly Murphy. Ariel and Cat were performed by Sophie, who you can find streaming on twitch.tv/s0ph. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    20 August 2026, 7:00 am
  • 19 minutes 42 seconds
    Big Bad Goes Back to School (Classic) | Back to School Anxiety Stories for Kids

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    If your child is experiencing back to school anxiety, this story for kids will validate their feelings and build confidence before a new school year begins. We explore first day of school worries and share gentle ways to help anxious kids conquer their fear of the unknown. 

    Big Bad Wolf is starting a new school year and he’s having back to school jitters. He’s worried his wolf classmates will continue to make fun of him over his embarrassing incident during last year’s howl-at-the-moon final exam. Enter his Folktale Forest friends, including Serena the Capybara. They talk him through his new class nerves and guide him back to his calm, cool and collected canine self and send him off with the confidence he needs to become a Master Howler!

    This story about back to school jitters is a Dorktales Classic.

    Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bad-goes-back-to-school/ 

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

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: A new school year often brings back to school anxiety. In Big Bad Goes Back to School, Big Bad works through his first day of school worries with help from friends and calming strategies. This story gently encourages emotional resilience, self-regulation, and using your support systems. It features two guided mindfulness exercises for back to school anxiety, useful coping tools for easing into the new school year. 

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

    Support the show

    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.

    REACH OUT!

    13 August 2026, 7:00 am
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