Welcome to the wonderful, wacky, and wildly imaginative world of Dorktales Storytime, an award-winning kids and family podcast with stories for kids and their pop-culture loving grownups. Join hosts Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog as they explore the land of Once Upon a Time through three kinds of tales: clever and geeky retellings of classic fairy tales and fables, original Once Upon a Time lore stories about magical places and friendly creatures, and inspiring stories about the Hidden Heroes of History. Every tale is packed with twists, turns and lessons learned. Step through our portal into a story-filled realm where anything is possible!
Recognized by Common Sense Media as outstanding entertainment with an official seal for quality and impact. Named an ‘essential’ kids podcast by Apple Podcasts.
...
Reach us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com. Free fan resources: jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans.
...
Fan Favorite Story Themes: Reimagined fairy tales, fables, tall tales, fantasy and folklore, mysteries and spy adventures, Greek mythology, Wonderland adventures, pirate adventures, spooky Halloween stories, STEAM heroes, historical figures, SEL stories, dinosaur stories, bedtime sleep stories and lullabies.
Popular Guests Include: Eric O’keeffe (What If World), Sabrina Glow, Chanel Tsang (Peace Out podcast), Imani Russell, Melissa Victor (Stoopkid Stories), Twitch streamer s0ph
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 06/11/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
A Dragon Adventure | From The Reading Bug Adventures Podcast
Season 7
Thursday, November 5, 2026 • Duration 01:16:32
We’re sharing a dragon adventure by our friends at The Reading Bug Podcast. The story takes place from inside our favorite local independent children’s bookstore, The Reading Bug!
A mysterious, sparkly egg hatches right inside The Reading Bug Bookstore, revealing a colorful baby dragon named Sparkles! Lauren and the Reading Bug use their magic book bag to travel inside the pages of beloved dragon books, hoping to find where Sparkles belongs. But she doesn’t love tacos, fight princes, or fit into every story they explore. With help from an unexpected friend, Sparkles discovers that she doesn’t have to fit into someone else’s story. She can write her own!
This imaginative storytelling adventure has dragon-sized challenges and a heartwarming discovery about friendship, being yourself, and finding a place to belong.
Thank you to The Reading Bug, the family-owned independent children's bookstore and award-winning podcast, for letting us share one of your stories for kids with our listeners.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
Merlin Tuttle (Classic) | Bat Scientist, History Stories for Kids
Season 7
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • Duration 17:22
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. He’s the real batman and champion protector of nature’s delightful, dark-winged, do-gooders.
We’re celebrating Bat Appreciation Month by reintroducing you to Merlin Tuttle, the bat scientist and father of modern bat conservation.
CREDITS: This stories for kids 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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
Mr. Redge Hotline | Kids Podcast Q&A and Shout Outs
Season 7
Thursday, October 22, 2026 • Duration 12:37
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!
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 dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com or leave a comment on Spotify.
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.
Jack and the Golden Ladder | Jack and the Beanstalk Sequel | Stories for Kids
Season 7 · Episode 140
Thursday, October 15, 2026 • Duration 15:49
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.
Beanstalk (Classic) | Jack and the Beanstalk Fairy Tale Retold | Stories for Kids
Season 7
Thursday, October 8, 2026 • Duration 32:32
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.
Haunting of Raven’s Roost | Haunted House Escape Room | Halloween Stories for Kids
Season 7 · Episode 139
Thursday, October 1, 2026 • Duration 21:45
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.
Maple Leaf Legends (Classic) | Celebrating Autumn Season | Stories for Kids
Season 7
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 16:50
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.
The Loch Ness Legend | Mythical Creatures | Stories for Kids
Season 7 · Episode 138
Thursday, September 17, 2026 • Duration 21:30
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
The Great Acorn Incident (Classic) | Henny Penny Folk Tale Retold | Stories for Kids
Season 7
Thursday, September 10, 2026 • Duration 20:30
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.
Dr. Fe Del Mundo | Filipina Pediatrician, History Stories for Kids
Season 7 · Episode 137
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • Duration 16:28
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
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.
Four easy ways to support Dorktales to keep the mic on and the stories coming: donate, subscribe or follow, leave a review, tell a friend! All support links are here in the show notes below👇🙏
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.
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.
Discover shows related to Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
