Dorktales Storytime Podcast

A story of perseverance and the power of plants! Despite the barriers thrust upon him, George Washington Carver overcame society’s challenges to ultimately become one of the nation’s leading botanists and agricultural inventors. Did you know he discovered over 300 uses for the peanut? Carver used his celebrity to speak on racial harmony, hoping to leave the world a better place. Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover...

“Nibble, nibble little mouse! Who is nibbling on my house?!” Is the cute little cottage in the woods Hansel and Gretel’s sweet new sanctuary, or are there more sinister plans awaiting them within? Only their wits and cleverness will guide them to a delicious ending. For more information about this retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” go to: https://jonincharacter.com/strudel-and-gretel/ Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast Website Before you go, please hit the subscribe button, so future...

On a bright sunny day, a man and his son head into town to sell their donkey in the market. Easy-peasy, right? So how did they end up a panting, sweating mess by the time they make it to the town square? Something stinks…and it’s not just the havoc their hee-hawing arrival creates. NEW EPISODES of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast will resume in January 2021. For more information about this retelling of “The Man, the Boy and the Donkey” go to:...

Meet Jack. Is he daft or the dealmaker of the century when he sells his cow, Milky White, for beans? His mother thinks he’s out of his mind until those beans lead to a bonanza - bags of gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and the golden harp! Find out how Jack fools the ogre over and over again so his mom can have a lovely cottage with all the modern conveniences…an outhouse, outdoor patio and jacuzzi. For more information about this episode and some of our book recommendations for...

A story of adventure and record-breaking feats! Tenzing Norgay, a true pioneer of mountaineering, carved out new paths for future explorers by climbing up the road less traveled. Tenzing was the Sherpa guide responsible for getting Edmund Hillary to the final ascent of Mount Everest. They became the first recorded pair to reach the highest point on earth. Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in...

And they’re off! While the spectators shout, “Forget it! You’re not built to beat the hare,” Tortoise is determined to never give up and never surrender! Will Tortoise’s slow and steady pace ultimately win the hearts and minds of the forest creatures forever? For more information about this episode and some of our book recommendations for “The Tortoise and the Hare” retellings go to: https://jonincharacter.com/ready-set-slow/ Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast Website This episode has...

Beware of the horrifying hedgewolf! Or maybe beware the bored shepherd boy with too much time on his hands. What devilish prank does he perpetrate, not once, not twice, but three times on the terrified townspeople? And what happens to the far-fetched fibber when he finally tells the truth? For more information about this episode and some of our book recommendations for “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” retellings go to: https://jonincharacter.com/boy-who-cried-hedgewolf/ Visit the Dorktales...

A tale of Mississippi river boats, parasol parades and breaking racial barriers! A man that built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music—Louis Armstrong transformed jazz music and became the beloved “Ambassador Satch” who performed all over the world! So much of his life was about a deep passion for music and using it to bring people together. Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science,...

Is the fancy fabric for the emperor’s new clothes really invisible to those who are not worthy? Or is this a case of double-dealing dupery by two wily weavers? As the emperor struts his stylish self through the streets of his kingdom, it will take one forthright boy to blurt out the naked truth. For more information about this episode and some of our book recommendations for “Emperor’s New Clothes” retellings go to: https://jonincharacter.com/the-emperors-new-quills/ Visit the Dorktales...

After the quacks and croaks of laughter from his siblings and bullying bullfrog, the poor little duckling waddles off through the marshes to find someone who will accept and love him. What about the gaggle of goslings? Or the brood of chicks? “No one understands me! I’ll never fit in,” he cries until he bumps into the best version of himself. Find more information about this episode and some “Ugly Duckling” retelling book recommendations: https://jonincharacter.com/prickly-duckling/ Visit...

The true tale of a woman who reached for the stars! Mary Golda Ross was one of the first women to rise in the ranks of engineering and one of the first Native Americans in the field. Her work in the early days of spaceflight was very important and is still to this day. Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and human rights who changed the world. Join...

Welcome to the Dorktales Storytime Podcast. I’m Jonathan Cormur, a voice actor who, from a very young age, loved reading, watching cartoons, telling stories and making up character voices. I still do! Now with this podcast, I get to share those stories with you! I have two kinds of original tales to tell…Dorktales and Hidden Heroes of History. Hey classic cartoon lovers! Do you remember the fractured fairy tales that were a part of the Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle show? Well, that’s...

The Three Little…HOGS? Who’s heard of that? According to Mr. Redge, our Dorktales sidekick, it’s a classic tale from the fairy tale cannon! Come hear our storyteller recount the story of hedgehogs Porky, Percy and Peregrin, and their ultimate triumph over the dastardly wolf using a glue pot, rapier and a wheel barrow. According to Percy, “It’s epic, man!” This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Karen Simpson Gardiner and performed by Jonathan Cormur....

La, la, la, la-la! Have you heard the tale of Little Red Riding Hood? You know, the one about the sweet, innocent little girl in the beautiful red cloak who out foxes the big bad wolf? Well forget that one and think ninja granny with a stealthy rescue plan and fierce tranquilizer dart skills. This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Karen Simpson Gardiner and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Studio...

“Rump, who?” asks Mr. Redge as Jonathan spins the tall tale of Daphne, the Miller’s daughter, who must spin thread into gold for a greedy king. It’s an epic yarn involving a magical lawn gnome, a clever guessing game and a Wizard of Oz ending! This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Studio Circle Recordings. Find more retelling book recommendations...