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As we prepare for the exciting launch of Season 6 of Dorktales Storytime on February 6th, we’re revisiting some favorite past adventures. Ever wondered how Jonathan found the magical doorway into Once Upon a Time or met his storytelling best friend, Reginald T. Hedgehog? This is the backstory to all our Dorktales adventures. This also answers the question our listener friend, Jose, asked about how Jonathan can go between Once Upon a Time and the real world. 

On an otherwise normal day, a portal opens in a mysterious tree hidden in the very corners of a California redwood forest. Jonathan walks through the trunk and tumbles into the mystical, magical land of Once Upon a Time. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, who’s out on his daily walk around his hovel, encounters this lost human. The two discover their kinship and begin their quest to bring joy and understanding to others through stories. As the sun sets behind the Cliffhanger mountains, they set sail across the Fantasea in pursuit of their first storytelling adventures!

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway

HEY GROWNUPS: Sign up to receive our podcast newsletter every two weeks and you'll receive FREE access to our Dorktales Storytime Podcast's Resource Library filled with activity guides, conversation starter PDFs, printables and more: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card  

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

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We’re wrapping up the year and our season of original stories for kids (and their geeky grownups) with a festively fun bonus episode. Join Jonathan and Mr. Redge as they answer listener questions from around the world and give shout-outs to our incredible Dorktales Storytime fans.

This episode includes:

•  Zahra’s question about Redge’s favorite adventure (spoiler: it’s spy-tacular!)
•  Jonathan’s stories about his creative sibling, Molly, who helps make Dorktales magical.
•  Redge’s dashing answer to why he’s “Mr.” at just three years old.

Thank you for a wonderful year of storytelling. Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2025! 

SURVEY: Grownups, help us make stories your family loves to hear by filling out this quick survey: https://forms.gle/LWq6r2v5WDpVqzBX8

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Operation Golden Tie: https://jonincharacter.com/operation-golden-tie/ 

WAYS TO SEND IN YOUR QUESTION:

Email us with a question and/or record your child saying their first name, age and their awesome question. Send the recording to us at [email protected]

Use the contact us form on our website: https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/  

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• 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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Blast off into the story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a trailblazer in space exploration! As an astronaut, engineer, scientist, inventor, and the first Latina woman to journey into space, Dr. Ochoa broke barriers and reached for the stars—literally. During four missions, she spent nearly 1,000 hours in orbit. She studied Earth’s atmosphere, mastered robotic technology, and contributed to the creation of the International Space Station. Her groundbreaking work didn’t stop there—Dr. Ochoa later became the deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, paving the way for future generations to explore the cosmos and make their mark on humanity's greatest frontier.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/ellen-ochoa/          

Get a free activity guide on Ellen Ochoa: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep103freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about a hidden hero space visionary, you may also enjoy learning about Mary Golda Ross: 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 Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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It’s Jolly Holly season in the land of Once Upon a Time, and Pinocchio is in serious nose-growing trouble. He was left in charge of Geppetto’s chiming Jolly Holly clock—a cherished symbol of the season. When his curiosity gets the best of him, one clumsy mishap leads to another, and the clock breaks! In a panic, Pinocchio’s fanciful fibbing turns into a whale of a problem. Can his quest to right his wrongs ultimately save the Jolly Holly celebration? 

This episode features a sample of our Dorktales original song, "Jolly Holly Hedgehog Holiday." If you enjoyed the festive tune, you can find the full song available for purchase and download on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/album/jolly-holly-hedgehog-holiday 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/pinocchios-jolly-holly-jumble/     

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep102freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this reimagining of classic characters, Pinocchio takes on an important task for Geppetto but struggles with impulsivity, leading to a string of mishaps and fibs to cover them up. This story provides a meaningful opportunity to explore themes like  honesty, trust, accountability, and the value of taking responsibility for your actions. Through Pinocchio’s journey, children will learn that while mistakes are part of life, no problem is unfixable if you remain truthful and seek out help when you need it. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about the land of Once Upon a Time’s Jolly Holly season, you might like another one of its holiday traditions in EP58: ’Twas a Night Most Jolly Holly: https://jonincharacter.com/twas-a-night-most-jolly-holly/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story 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 Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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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.
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• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
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What if every blunder you made could blossom into something beautiful? Take it from your hedgehog buddy, Redge, who frolics through his failures in his very own field of daisies! He plants a seed for every big—and little—misstep and mistake he makes and they sprout into a spectacular floral garden. From salty cookie catastrophes to daring belly flops, Redge shows us how he celebrates his "oopsies" as opportunities to learn and grow.

This episode was inspired by the children’s book “Fail-a-bration” by the New York Times bestselling duo, Brad and Kristi Montague. We’re big fans of their work! The book’s joyful message that failing means you’re trying, learning, and growing is exactly what we wanted to bring into our world of Once Upon a Time. Available now at your favorite bookseller: https://montagueworkshop.com/failabration 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-oopsie-daisies/     

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep101freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:  This story invites kids to reframe their view of failure as a chance for growth. By embracing mistakes, kids learn to see them as normal parts of life rather than something to be ashamed of. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about learning from and celebrating your failures, you may also enjoy this episode on how to manage overwhelming feelings in EP49: Big Bad’s Big Feelings: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bads-big-feelings/ 

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 Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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
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Redge stumbles upon a dazzling, magical plant—the Radiant Root—glowing with glittering leaves and capable of conjuring a feast of the imagination for 100 creatures. The only problem? It's deeply rooted in the Folktale Forest, and even the Hedge Witch, Zinnia Fig, can’t uproot it alone. Soon, friends from all over Once Upon a Time come together to use their strengths, spells and specialties to lift the Radiant Root. Will their teamwork turn into a triumphant night that will stay in their hearts forever?

We’re celebrating a magical milestone! This episode marks our 100th original story in the Dorktales Storytime podcast, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate it with you. It was Inspired by a listener suggestion from Grant. Thanks Grant! And thanks to all of you who come to visit us in the lands of Once Upon a Time. 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-radiant-root/                

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF LIST of conversation questions for this kids’ story:
 https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep100freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:  This episode is inspired by the classic fairytale, “The Giant Turnip” and it teaches the importance of collaboration, creativity, and community. Through the characters' efforts to unearth the magical root, the story demonstrates how everyone’s unique skills contribute to achieving a shared goal. Through their collective work, they earn a feast of their favorite foods, showing that inclusivity and teamwork make challenges easier and more enjoyable. The story also highlights gratitude and joy in friendships, reinforcing that meaningful things happen when we unite with kindness, enthusiasm, and shared purpose. (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework)

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about the community celebrations in Once Upon a Time, you may also like to listen to, EP80: Snow Time: https://jonincharacter.com/snow-time/ 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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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.
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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
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It’s time to grab your candy, turn off the lights, and get ready for our encore presentation of Sleepy Hallow’s Eve—a tale that will give you just the right amount of shivers and giggles! 

Hello boils, ghouls, and non-corporeal entities! Our SCARE-rator is here to tell you a spooky tale that will send shivers up your quivers and make your teeth chatter with delight! It’s party time at Katrina’s house and Ichabod Crane is having the time of his life. Jealous of his fun, Brom Bones gathers the guests to tell the chilling tale of the Headless Horseman, because he knows it will make sweet, but superstitious, Ichabod shriek and head for home. And when he does, poor Ichabod encounters something sinister in the woods. Is it the bully Brom playing an evil prank or the legendary ghoulish ghost? 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is a retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Besides being a spooky story with some geeky references to Sonic the Hedgehog, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, there is an opportunity to talk to kids about jealousy, bullying, and standing up for yourself. 

Episode Webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/sleepy-hallows-eve/     

Find more Dorktales’ Halloween Tales: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-kid-friendly-podcast-playlist-for-a-hauntingly-fun-halloween/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. 

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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.
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• 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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An inspiring story that will rock your world! Meet Simon Tam, the visionary founder of the Asian American band, The Slants. Follow his path from a young music lover to a trailblazing activist who stood up for free speech and fair representation. His desire to reclaim a hurtful term and turn it into something positive and empowering became a groundbreaking case at the U.S. Supreme Court. Discover how his fight for the band’s name became a victory for artistic expression. Simon’s story shows us that resilience, courage and using one’s voice—and music—can make a difference.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/simon-tam/           

Get a free activity guide on Simon Tam: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep99freePDF 

This episode of Dorktales Storytime is presented by Red Comet Press, and their hardcover children’s book, We Sing From the Heart, by Mia Wenjen with illustrations by Victor Bizar Gómez. This Junior Library Guild Gold Selection inspired this Hidden Heroes of History story. Purchase this beautiful book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or from your favorite independent book store: https://www.redcometpress.com/picturebooks/wesing 

Learn about more Asian American and Pacific Islander hidden heroes of history:  https://jonincharacter.com/kids-podcast-playlist-for-aapi-heritage-month/

CREDITS: Dorktales’ Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. This episode was written and produced by Molly Murphy. Howie was voiced by Asher Kim from the Culture Kids Podcast. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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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.
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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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Jonathan and Redge adventure into The Tomes, the vast desert of Once Upon a Time, when they stumble into a mysterious tomb—and find themselves on a ghoulish (and very goofy) game show. The two must solve haunting riddles, guess what’s missing in an ancient witch’s potion, and test their courage in the chilling, thrilling Malevolent Maze of the Mummy! Can they work together to tackle all the terrifying twists and turns or will they be lost in The Tomes desert forever?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/thats-a-wrap-halloween-story/     

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep98freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:  In this Halloween episode "That's A Wrap!," young listeners learn valuable lessons in problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional resilience as Jonathan and Redge navigate a spooky maze and solve the mummy's riddles. The episode encourages self-awareness, teaching kids to recognize and manage their emotions, especially when faced with fear or uncertainty. Through teamwork and responsible decision-making, Jonathan and Redge demonstrate how collaboration and staying calm under pressure can help overcome challenges, making this episode a fun and meaningful way to reinforce social-emotional skills.

MORE DORKTALES HALLOWEEN EPISODES 

• Goop Hog from Lumen Lagoon: https://jonincharacter.com/goop-hog-halloween-tale/ 
• Hogenstein: https://jonincharacter.com/hogenstein-a-halloween-tale/ 
• Sleepy Hallow’s Eve: https://jonincharacter.com/sleepy-hallows-eve/  

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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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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Jonathan is having the worst day ever—gum stuck in his hair, soaked clothes, and he's even missing a shoe! Redge thinks the wood nymphs caused Jonathan's series of unfortunate mishaps because he forgot to knock on wood. The two friends shrink down to the size of a speck of dust and go into the floorboards to investigate. But are the wood nymphs really creating bad luck or is it all an itty bitty misunderstanding?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/knock-on-wood/               

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep97freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:  This episode was inspired by the superstition to “knock on wood,” for good luck. Through Jonathan’s challenges, kids learn about: 1) the resilience of turning bad days around through a positive outlook; 2) curiosity and how asking questions and investigating the unknown can lead to creative solutions, and 3) critical thinking and separating facts from fiction. (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework)

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about shrinking down and exploring tiny places, go on an adventure to Once Upon a Time realm’s tiniest town in EP85 The Scribbleton Scramble: https://jonincharacter.com/the-scribbleton-scramble/  

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story 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 Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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!