Dorktales Storytime Podcast

A story of artistic triumph and long-lasting legacies! Ruth Asawa is one of California's most beloved sculptors and was an influential advocate for arts education. She persisted through extreme prejudice and the injustice of Japanese internment camps to become a master at her craft. Today, her remarkable work lives on—from installations in famous museums, to monuments in city parks, to The Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts! Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of...

Once rejected and cast aside, a group of farm and forest animals come together and dream of becoming a busking band of musicians. While on their journey to the town square, they encounter a loathsome lot of thieves celebrating their haul of stolen loot. The group conducts a clever a cappella plan that frightens off the ne'er do wells, turning the Townspeople into their most devoted fans forever! PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:This episode teaches that everyone has value, no one should...

A head-twirling tale of fairies, firebirds and en pointe feats! Maria Tallchief is a trailblazing dancer who leapt into fame to become America’s first Prima Ballerina. Her technical precision and unique style of dance—full of energy, speed and passion—put American ballet on the map. Early in her career, she was told to change her last name, but Ms. Tallchief refused to hide her Native American heritage and Osage roots. Her successful dance career and worldwide adoration proved the naysayers...

The strong and stubborn King of the Jungle gets in an entangled predicament when he pauses while on his favorite Savana prowl. Will his snarling, thrashing and roaring release him from his hopeless bind? Or will it take a mighty nibble from one tiny, sweet creature to free the feisty feline? Acts of kindness, empathy, and a clever idea are the answer to the lion’s plight! PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This episode teaches lessons about empathy, kindness and trust. Find more...

The Dorktales Broadcasting System presents a Tinseltown tale of scientific experiments and world-changing inventions! Who knew that Hollywood’s famous film star in the 1930’s was one of the most brilliant minds of her time? Adored by the public as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” Hedy Lamarr’s real talent was technological innovation and invention—from light up dog collars to aircraft wing design! But her most extraordinary achievement was the frequency-hopping technology she...

Winter is over and the renewal of spring is here! Jonathan hosts a vernal equinox celebration for all the characters in his stories, but Mr. Redge gasps at the guest list because only the villains have RSVPed! Should he really judge these scoundrels by their stories? Party on with Redge as he discovers that they’ve pledged to stop their dastardly deeds and change their wicked ways. Can the Witch, Rumpelstiltskin, and Big Bad Wolf awaken him to golden truths that will blow him away? LESSONS...

A story of bat caves, field notes and righting a wrong reputation! Merlin Tuttle has spent his career studying bats and proving why they are an incredibly vital part of the ecosystem. His research, books, lectures and National Geographic style photography have led to the knowledge that bats are not spooky but spectacular! Meet the hero who showed the world that the some of the smallest creatures are making the biggest contributions—the real “batman” and champion protector of nature’s...

Three goat siblings set off on a quest to reach the hill that has the healthiest snacks when they butt heads with a very hangry troll. Are they fit for the challenge? Will it take their brains or brawn to beat the troll and get across the bridge? Clever tricks and a flying troll will leave you rolling in clover! For parents, teachers and homeschoolers: This episode teaches that having a healthy body is important but true strength comes from using your brain. Find more information about...

An Olympian tale with a golden outcome! Told as a child she’d never walk again to becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics—Wilma Rudolph was a champion on and off the track. She used her popularity as the “fastest woman in the world” to become a world-record-breaking voice for civil justice and women’s rights. Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science,...

Uh oh! Our heavenly celestial superintendent (AKA the sun) has challenged the wind in a friendly wager to prove who’s best. Can two powerful forces of nature have a peaceful match or will their breezy competition cause an epic flare up? Button up, it’s going to be a blustery ride! For parents, teachers and homeschoolers: This episode is a lesson in PUNS and teaches that power and strength can come from being kind and gentle. For more information about this retelling of “Aesop’s Fable: The...

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...