This month, we’re exploring the virtue of Courage—today’s story is a classic, beloved, and likely familiar one that invites us to listen anew in order to search for the doorways that have the potential to open up to us through every story, and ultimately, in every moment of our lives.

This story is about a little engine who doesn’t look as big or as strong as the others. No one expects her to do the hard thing. But when no one else will step up to help, she listens to the quiet strength inside her. She tries. She keeps going. And she discovers something powerful…

This is the story of The Little Engine That Could.

So, my brave and bright friends… What stood out to you in today’s story?

One thing I noticed was how the little blue engine wasn’t completely sure she could do it—but she kept going anyway. She used the power of her thoughts and her words to help herself believe: "I think I can. I think I can." That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?

And I loved the image of the silly little clown, waving his flag and doing everything he could to help the broken-down train. He didn’t give up either!

Can you picture the train trying to make it up the steep, tall mountain? Or all the little dolls and toys leaning out of the train windows? What parts of the story lit up your imagination?

And… Have you ever tried something that felt really hard? Maybe it was tying your shoes… or riding a bike… or walking into a new school for the very first time?

Can you try something with me right now? Go ahead and place your hands on your heart and whisper to yourself, “I think I can”? Maybe there’s something you want to try, or something you’ve been working on.

Go ahead and whisper it…. Can you feel that little strength inside you?

It’s there. It’s always been there. And it’s growing, every time you try.

You, my friend, are braver than you know.

And speaking of courage… I have a small and mighty invitation for you.

Every week, I light a lantern and invite you and your family into a world of wonder—where stories carry timeless wisdom, and courage, kindness, and faith take root in young hearts. This podcast is a labor of love, spun late at night after my two little ones are asleep, and offered freely to families everywhere.

If Brave & Bright Stories has become a part of your family’s listening adventures, would you consider stepping into our circle of supporters? Your subscription keeps the lanterns lit, the stories flowing, and the values we hold dear shining bright.

Here’s how you can join our story world:

* Brave & Bright Friend – $8/monthFor the cost of one latte, you help fuel a month’s worth of stories and smiles.

* Circle of Light – $80/yearYou keep the flame steady all year long, with a little savings too.

* Legacy Lantern – $240/yearOur highest honor. You become a beacon for generations, helping carry these stories—and the virtues they hold—far into the future.

Whether you join as a Friend, keep watch in the Circle of Light, or take up the mantle of a Legacy Lantern, know that your support makes a real difference in our lives and in the future of this show.

And whether or not you subscribe, I am so glad you are here—helping to keep building our courage,to stay brave,stay bright,and keep growing together…one story at a time.

With warmth and wonder,Hannah

This month, we’re stepping into a new virtue: Courage.

Step on in a little closer… can you smell the sweetness of ripe mangoes in the sun? Can you hear the rustle of peacock feathers, the hum of bees in bright blossoms, the soft, bubbling laughter of a forest stream? Here, in this green and shining place, every creature has a home, and every breeze carries the music of life.

But… the skies have been holding their rain for far too long.The air is thirsty. Leaves crumble underfoot.And somewhere, hidden among the branches, a little gray parrot tilts her head, listening.

What happens next is a story that can orient us towards courage— Not the kind that roars from mountaintops, but the kind that begins with one small heartbeat, one flap of wings, one drop of water against the impossible.

This is the story of The Brave Little Parrot.

The Brave Little Parrot invites us into a world where the smallest acts—just a few drops of water—can change everything. As our little ones return to school, or step towards the completion of summer and new rhythms of life, this is a great time to explore courage and all the beautiful forms it can take.

What’s the bright point in the story for you today? What stood out and caught your attention? Make sure to share yours with your child, and explore these doorways that can bring you each deeper into the story.

Because, although there’s a theme here and specific virtues to explore, each of these stories are filled with so much goodness to journey in to. So, may we all allow our language to leave space for the mystery of what wants to unfurl for each of us in every story….

And speaking of courage… I have a small and mighty invitation for you.

Every week, I light a lantern and invite you and your family into a world of wonder—where stories carry timeless wisdom, and courage, kindness, and faith take root in young hearts. This podcast is a labor of love, spun at dawn while my two little ones are fast asleep, and offered freely to families everywhere.

If Brave & Bright Stories has become a part of your family’s listening adventures, would you consider stepping into our circle of supporters? Your subscription keeps the lanterns lit, the stories flowing, and the values we hold dear shining bright.

Here’s how you can join our story world:

* Brave & Bright Friend – $8/monthFor the cost of one latte, you help fuel a month’s worth of stories and smiles.

* Circle of Light – $80/yearYou keep the flame steady all year long, with a little savings too.

* Legacy Lantern – $240/yearOur highest honor. You become a beacon for generations, helping carry these stories—and the virtues they hold—far into the future.

Whether you join as a Brave & Bright Friend, keep watch in the Circle of Light, or take up the mantle of a Legacy Lantern, know that your support makes a real difference in our lives and in the future of this show.

And whether or not you subscribe, I am so glad you are here, helping to keep building our courage…to stay brave,stay bright,and keep growing together…one story at a time.

This month, we’re exploring Kindness: the kind that starts with a smile, grows with sharing, and creates warmth wherever it goes. Kindness can feel simple, but it has the power to bring people together in surprising ways. It reminds us that we belong to one another—and that even small acts of service can make a big difference.

Today’s story is our final installment in kindness, and is an old and beloved one. It’s about a mysterious traveler, a bubbling pot, and a whole village that rediscovers the magic of giving.

Stone Soup is a beautiful tale that reminds us of the power of shared kindness.

In times of stress or scarcity, children and adults alike may contract emotionally—just like the villagers. Kindness becomes not just a nice idea, but a way of reconnecting, softening, and healing.

When children experience kindness as a form of service—offering something to help another—they begin to understand that they can make a difference. They learn that being kind doesn’t always mean being sweet. It means noticing a need, and choosing to respond with care.

Sharing, even in small ways, helps children feel capable, connected, and part of something larger than themselves.

This week’s episode is coming your way later than expected due to a wedding, a birth, and a beautiful celebratory event. We will be releasing two episodes this week to round out kindness, and welcome in courage!

This month, we’re exploring Kindness—the quiet strength of helping others, the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, and the surprising ways even the smallest act can change a heart, or even a whole day.

Today’s story is a classic fable—about a mighty lion, a tiny mouse, and an unexpected act of kindness that weaves them together in the most extraordinary way.It’s a tale that reminds us that no one is too small to make a difference, and kindness is never wasted.

This was one of our first three intro special stories, which served as previews of our first three themed months! If you missed it, here’s a great opportunity to tune into this wonderful story. And we are deep in the full swing of summer over here, which means that this week’s post is a bit behind schedule in arriving to your inbox! Stay tuned for a brand new story this coming Monday, the last story for our Kindness theme, and then we are on to Courage next month with some great stories coming your way!

For our little listeners

Sometimes, kindness is a big thing—like saving someone in trouble

And sometimes, it’s something small—like saying “thank you” or offering a smile.

But all kindness matters.And when we’re kind, we make the world a little softer, a little braver, and a whole lot brighter.

Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you in a small way that felt really big? Or a time when you helped someone who didn’t expect it?

Kindness is like a circle…. it always comes back around.

For our grownups

Kindness grows in children when it’s modeled, noticed, and nurtured.

This week, invite your child to notice and name small acts of kindness—both given and received. These micro-moments shape how they understand empathy, trust, and connection.

You can support this by:

* Pointing out kind actions in real time When your child helps a sibling, shares a toy, or comforts a friend, pause and reflect that back:

* “I saw how you helped your brother when he was sad—that was so kind of you.”

* Modeling empathy out loud (“That person looks sad—I wonder what might help them feel better.”)

* Celebrating effort over outcome (“Even though it didn’t work, I saw how kindly you tried.”)

Remember: kindness is caught more than it’s taught. When we live it, they learn it.

This month, we’re exploring Kindness—the quiet strength of helping others, the joy of generosity, and the ripple effect that even the smallest good deed can have in the world around us.

Today’s tale is a heartwarming one about a poor shoemaker, a few tiny visitors, and a beautiful exchange of kindness that changes everything. It reminds us that help can come in the most surprising ways—and that a thankful heart can give just as generously as it receives.

Each month, we shine our lantern-light on a special virtue, one powerful quality that helps us live with heart and courage.

This month, we're welcoming in Kindness ✨ The warmth of caring. The strength of sharing. The magic of looking out for someone else.

Today’s story is about a giant with a cold, closed heart... and how kindness opened it again. It’s a tale of seasons, children, and a garden that remembers the love it was once given. This is The Selfish Giant — a story with wonder, gentleness, and the quiet reminder that kindness always grows.

Today’s story is a playful and profound tale about an emperor, a very strange outfit, and one clear, honest voice. It’s a story about how sometimes, speaking the truth takes bravery… but it can also set us all free.

This month, we’re exploring Honesty: the courage to speak the truth, even when it’s hard or when everyone around us stays silent. It’s the kind of honesty that helps us stay connected to what’s real and reminds us to listen to our hearts.

This month, we’re exploring Honesty: the strength it takes to tell the truth, the beauty of being trustworthy, and the quiet power of words that can be counted on.

Today’s story is a golden one about a humble woodsman, a shimmering surprise, and a moment when truth spoke louder than treasure.

It’s a tale that shows how honesty, even in small choices, can shine brighter than gold.

This story was originally published as one of our first three intro stories, and it’s a gem if you missed it! For those following along, I’ve been traveling the west coast with my two little guys enjoying summer in the rivers and redwoods and visiting friends and family so I am a little late getting this one published!

We are looking forward to returning home soon, and we’ve got a brand new story coming out next Monday as the last installment in our month focusing on Honesty.

So now —Snuggle in, open your ears, take a slow deep breath…and let’s journey into our story together

It’s a story about trust, truth, and what happens when our words lose their meaning. The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Truth is like a bridge between people. Every time we speak truthfully, that bridge gets stronger. But when we twist the truth or use our words carelessly, the bridge begins to crack… until one day, it may not hold at all.

Our word has the power to create, and it is vital to shine the light on what we are creating. Let’s turn away from dishonesty, murkiness, and trickery and turn towards truth, clarity, and integrity.

Today’s tale is a timeless one, about a gentle boy named Ping, an Emperor’s test, and a surprising truth that blossoms into something extraordinary. It’s a story of seeds, and the courage to stand tall with honesty, no matter what.

Each month, we shine our lantern-light on a special virtue—one powerful quality that helps us live with heart, courage, and kindness.

This month, we’re exploring Honesty—the quiet strength it takes to tell the truth, even when it’s hard, the beauty of being trustworthy, and the simple power of words—and actions—that can be counted on.