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The sun is shining, the questions are sizzling, and Mr. Redge is soaking it all in—headphones on, beach towel out, and ready for the A’s to your Q’s! 

It’s the summer edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, where we answer YOUR curious, clever, and wonder-filled questions. Jonathan and Redge share favorite podcast moments, reveal the most important lore story from the Land of Once Upon a Time, snack on seaweed crisps, and send out shoutouts galore. Plus, Jonathan shares exciting updates about the Summer Listening Challenge and what’s coming next in the Dorktales world. So grab your lemonade and tune in for a sunny episode filled with a few laughs and lots of listener love.

JOIN THE SUMMER LISTENING CHALLENGE and earn rewards: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

FOR THE GROWNUPS: Want to send in a question for a future Hotline episode? Email us at [email protected] with your young listener’s first name, age, and their awesome question—written or recorded! You can also reach us through our contact form at https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/, leave a comment on Spotify, or include a question in a 5-star review. We’ll do our best to feature as many as we can!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

• Riddle of Red Herring Reef: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/ 
• Donna and Greta’s So-fish-ticated Seaweed Snacks(In Isabella Alone Abbott):https://jonincharacter.com/isabella-aiona-abbott/ 
• The Magical Doorway: https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway/ 
• Jolly Holly Hedgehog: https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/
• Owen and the Order of the Ancient Cedar: https://jonincharacter.com/owen-and-the-order-of-the-ancient-cedar/ 

Support the show

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• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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While exploring the Fantasea in their magical minivan-submarine, Jonathan and Redge discover Red Herring Reef, a vibrant underwater village. Just in time for the annual Jubilee of the Sea art show, they meet Ariel the mermaid, who dazzles as the MuSEAum’s lively curator. While on the School of Fish tour, they find one of the frames is mysteriously empty! Their curiosity turns into a full-blown caper, as our friends flip their fins and dive into detective mode to crack the case. What they uncover may reveal more than just the whereabouts of the artwork—it could help a mermaid re-discover her voice. 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/ 

DOWNLOAD the free color page: https://bit.ly/missing-masterpiece          

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep113freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In Riddle of Red Herring Reef, Jonathan and Redge travel to an underwater village where they meet Ariel the Mermaid, curator and tour guide of an undersea art show. When a mysterious empty frame is discovered, Redge takes on the role of detective to crack the case. As the clues unfold, Ariel reveals that she created the missing painting but hid it out of fear of sharing her personal expression. The encouragement of her new friends helps her find the courage to display her work and celebrate her voice. This episode gently explores themes of self-confidence, creativity, and the importance of community support.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY you may enjoy learning about  Eugenie Clark and Isabella Aiona Abbott, two Hidden Heroes of History whose work in our oceans helped all mankind:

• https://jonincharacter.com/eugenie-clark/
• https://jonincharacter.com/isabella-aiona-abbott/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written by Kristin Schmitz and Molly Murphy. Ariel and Gill 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

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

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• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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A tale of secret codes and early computers! Alan Turing was a British mathematician and thinker who helped turn the tide of World War II for the United Kingdom and its allies. His groundbreaking work also laid the foundation for much of the technology we use today. As a child, Alan loved solving puzzles—like tracking the patterns of bees—and as a teen, he spent many late nights working through challenging math problems. From imagining the Turing Machine to cracking the uncrackable Enigma Code, Alan’s story is one of brilliance, perseverance, and bravery. He didn’t always fit in, but his unique way of thinking changed the world.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/alan-turing/              

Get a free activity guide on Alan Turing: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep112freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Alan Turing, you may also enjoy learning about Mary Golda Ross, another STEM hero of history whose early work in space exploration helped put humans into space: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-golda-ross/ 

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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Hesper, the Fairy of the Evening Star, casts a dream-traveling spell to take Redge on his long-awaited journey to Slumberland. With her moth companion, Vesper, by her side, the trio soar along the starry brick road to explore the dreamy realm’s enchanting destinations—from a visit to the Shut Eye Shopping District, a cuppa at Forty Winks Tea House, and a run through the clouds to catch some Z’s at Catnap Castle. Let the stardust of this story work its magic and slip you into a lovely sleep. Your dreams will be sweet and grand in merry Slumberland! 

This episode includes the lullaby, Slumberland, by Molly Murphy.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/journey-to-slumberland/ 

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep111freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In “Journey to Slumberland,” Hesper the fairy of the evening star guides her moth companion Vesper and their friend Redge the hedgehog along the starry brick road to Slumberland. They  practice mindful thinking and shop for the essentials they'll need for restful slumber - sleep masks, cozy pajamas, and calming teas. Redge learns from Slumberland's locals how rest and self-care are as important as a bedtime adventure. This tale encourages children to embrace curiosity, rely on supportive friends, and develop simple bedtime routines that help them drift into restful, imaginative sleep.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS BEDTIME SLEEP STORY with Hesper and Vesper, you might also enjoy two other stories: 

• EP75 Once Upon a Lullaby: https://jonincharacter.com/once-upon-a-lullaby/
• EP89 The Disobedient Dream: https://jonincharacter.com/the-disobedient-dream/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Molly who performed the character Hesper, the fairy of the evening star. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. The song ‘Slumberland’ was written, produced and performed by Molly Murphy and mastered by Jermaine Hamilton. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Gr

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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With binoculars ready and journals in hand, Jonathan and Redge meet up with their Bigfoot friend, Samuel Squatch, for a day of birdwatching by Legend Lake. The bird-loving buddies soon learn that migration season is more than the return of their favorite birds—it’s a full blown fashion event! As glowing fairies light up the forest canopy, birds both real and mythical strut their stuff in style—from classical geese in flight to a phoenix who sets the fashion world on fire. The glam parade celebrates the natural world, the stylish flair of feathers, and the marvels of migration.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/migration-fashion-show/  

BONUS! MIGRATION FASHION SHOW COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP110pdf

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep110freePDF  

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This adventure is an exploration of the wonders of bird migration set as a surprise spring fashion show hosted by a pleasant pheasant fashionista. It introduces kids to both real and mythical birds while highlighting themes of nature’s diversity, appreciation for nature, and creative self-expression. Built into the narrative are facts about why birds migrate, what helps them travel long distances and other interesting tidbits. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY with Jonathan, Redge and Samuel Squatch, you might like the story about how they met in EP83 Bigfoot’s Legendary Birdsong: https://jonincharacter.com/bigfoots-legendary-birdsong/ 

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

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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A story of early Earth science in action! Mary Anning was a pioneering paleontologist and fossil hunter who reshaped our understanding of prehistoric life. Growing up by the seaside cliffs of Lyme Regis, England, she uncovered ancient creatures hidden in the rocks—like giant sea reptiles and even fossilized dinosaur poop! Her discoveries helped scientists understand that creatures could go extinct and that the Earth was much older than people once believed. Her work was often dismissed and she rarely received the credit she deserved. Today, she is known around the world as the unsung hero for the scientific study of life through fossils. 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-anning/             

Get a free activity guide on Mary Anning: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep109freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Mary Anning, you may also enjoy learning about Evelyn Cheesman, another Earth Science’s hidden hero of history who observed, collected and catalogued previously undiscovered insects, reptiles, amphibians, and plants—over 70,000 of them: https://jonincharacter.com/evelyn-cheesman/ 

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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We’re bringing you a bonus episode from our friends at Koala Shine—a podcast full of exciting, mindful adventures with wonderful characters like Koko the Koala, Hector & Sunny, and the Jupiter Twins. Their storyteller, Kelly, will take you to incredible places—from Ancient Rome to the Land of Dinosaurs—sharing awesome facts and jokes along the way!

The story we’ve chosen for you is The Jupiter Twins: The Beastly Brew. Come with Kelly to the Academy of Magic, where Lily and Jake—better known as the Jupiter Twins—are stirring up some unusual magical hijinks in their potion-brewing class. Their teacher, Madam Hubblebubble teaches the young wizards how to craft the perfect elixir. But… let’s just say things don’t exactly go as planned!

Find more Koala Shine episodes: https://pod.link/1709930013 

CREDITS: A huge thank you to Koala Shine for letting us share this delightful episode with all of you! If you loved this story, be sure to follow both Dorktales Storytime and Koala Shine on your favorite podcast app. That way, you'll always have a library full of magical and entertaining stories ready to be heard. 

Next week - April 17, 2025 - Redge and Jonathan are bringing you a new Hidden Heroes of History story! Until then, go be the hero of your own story and they will see you next, once-upon-a-time!

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• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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Jonathan and Redge travel to the Cliffhangers eager to witness the legendary Color Pillars glow in the Spring Equinox light. But when they arrive in the village of Symbol Ism, they discover something is terribly wrong—the once-vibrant pillars are covered in an eerie, unexplainable muck. As they search for answers, they encounter someone who sees the fading pillars as a sign to tear down the ancient site and build a brand new theme park. With time slipping away, Jonathan and Redge must unravel the mystery of the pillars before their brilliance—and history itself—is lost forever.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-color-pillars/            

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep108freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this adventure, Jonathan and Redge journey to the Cliffhangers to witness the legendary Color Pillars, only to find the historic site at risk of being torn down and replaced by a theme park. Through curiosity, teamwork, and advocacy, the duo uncovers the truth behind the fading glow and learns the importance of preserving history, respecting the environment, and standing up for what matters. This episode encourages kids to think critically, engage in problem-solving, and appreciate the value of cultural heritage.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a special place in the Land of Once Upon A Time, you might like traveling to more lands with Harold the Hare Mail carrier and Redge in EP67 Special Delivery: https://jonincharacter.com/special-delivery/ 

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

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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Something mysterious is happening over Legend Lake—stars are vanishing from the night sky! When Jack A. Lope and Double-Oh-Quills receive an urgent message from Agent M, they suit up and soar into action. With the help of Kit and a clever prairie dog named Dusty, they track the missing stars to a top-secret lair hidden in plain sight. But who—or what—is behind this cosmic caper? Agents Lope and Quills must use all of their wits (and some nifty spy tech) to stop the star snatcher from stealing all of Once Upon a Time’s wishes and get the stars back where they belong.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mysterious-mr-yes/       

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep107freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: "The Mysterious Mr. Yes" teaches kids valuable social-emotional skills, including self-awareness, decision-making, and relationship-building. Through the adventure, young listeners learn the importance of balancing curiosity with caution, empathy over having everything you want, and considering different perspectives. The story encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and communication while reinforcing the idea that setting boundaries is just as important as embracing new opportunities.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS SPY ADVENTURE with Agents Jack A. Lope and Double-Oh-Quills, you might like their first adventure EP96: Operation Golden Tie: https://jonincharacter.com/operation-golden-tie/  

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

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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It's time for another Mr. Redge’s Hotline—where we answer your questions and give some very special shout outs! 

Redge kicks things off with a hedgehog-huzzah for Ada, age 7, and then we’re off on a Q&A adventure with you, our amazing listeners. Want to know Redge’s top 10 favorite Dorktales stories (at least for the moment)? Wondering how a hedgehog gets a haircut (or doesn’t)? Curious about how Jonathan cheers himself up on a bad day? What about Redge’s snazzy outfits? Jonathan and Redge have the answers! Plus, we reveal the story behind the name Dorktales and explain why all our characters call Once Upon A Time their home.

FOR THE GROWNUPS: Want to send in a question for a future Hotline episode? Email us at [email protected] with your young listener’s first name, age, and their awesome question—written or recorded! You can also reach us through our contact form at https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/, leave a comment on Spotify, or include a question in a 5-star review. We’ll do our best to feature as many as we can!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

• The Prickly Duckling: https://jonincharacter.com/prickly-duckling/
• Three Billy Goats Buff: https://jonincharacter.com/three-billy-goats-buff/ 
• Little Red: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-little-red/ 
• Hogenstein: https://jonincharacter.com/hogenstein-a-halloween-tale/ 
• Little Redge Hen: https://jonincharacter.com/little-redge-hen/
• Sleepy Hallow’s Eve: https://jonincharacter.com/sleepy-hallows-eve/ 
• The Merry Band of Bremen: https://jonincharacter.com/merry-band-of-bremen/ 
• A Fowl First Impression: https://jonincharacter.com/fowl-first-impression/ 
• A Hedgehog’s Homerun: https://jonincharacter.com/hedgehogs-home-run/ 
• The Boy Who Cried Hedgewolf: https://jonincharacter.com/boy-who-cried-hedgewolf/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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A story of drive and determination! Shirley Chisholm, known as being a person for the people, was the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. From her childhood in Brooklyn and Barbados to standing up for fairness, education and equal rights, Shirley never backed down from a challenge. She boldly ran for President to continue her quest to make life better for everyone in America. Through hard work, trailblazing ideas and a voice that couldn’t be ignored, Shirley Chisholm changed people’s lives and proved that there will always be something worth fighting for.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/shirley-chisholm/            

Get a free activity guide on Shirley Chisholm: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep106freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Shirley Chisholm, you may also enjoy learning about Wilma Rudolph, another hidden hero of history who also had drive and determination to cross the finish line and change the world: https://jonincharacter.com/wilma-rudolph/ 

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!