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A tale of athletic feats and unstoppable spirit! Meet three superstars who took their shot and ruled their sport. Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a tennis championship, smashed records and shattered barriers on and off the court. Lusia Harris made history with the very first basket in Olympic women’s basketball, earning her crown as the “Queen of Basketball.” During World War II, Marge Villa was one of only 11 Latinas to play in the first professional women’s baseball league, and her stats at the plate put her in a league of her own. These astounding athletes proved that grit, talent, and a never-give-up attitude are the winning game plan for change.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/astounding-athletes/        

Get a free activity guide on Alan Turing: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep116freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Astounding Athletes, you may also enjoy learning about Wilma Rudolph, known as the fastest woman in the world: https://jonincharacter.com/wilma-rudolph/  

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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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It’s time for a story replay! This one’s all about starting something new - like a brand new school year - and all the feelings that can come with it. You might be excited, nervous, or even a little bit of both. Jonathan and Redge’s friend Big Bad felt the same way when it was time for him to go back to school. With help from his friends and some calming tools, he learned how to face his fears and feel more confident.

So if you’re feeling some back-to-school jitters, just remember that you are not alone. There are people around you who care and want to help. And don’t forget, you already have the strength inside you to take on new challenges. We believe in you! 

Big Bad Goes Back to School webpage:
 https://jonincharacter.com/big-bad-goes-back-to-school/      

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Back-to-school season often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for kids. In Big Bad Goes Back to School, those emotions take center stage as Big Bad works through his worries with help from friends and calming strategies. This story gently encourages emotional resilience, self-regulation, and using your support systems. It also includes two guided mindfulness exercises - perfect tools for easing into the new school year.

Get your free Dorktales Resource Library Card: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card   

If you liked this story with Big Bad and Serena the caring capybara, you may also enjoy episode 49, Big Bad’s Big Feelings: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bads-big-feelings/ 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Jonathan, Mr. Redge and Big Bad were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Serena was performed by Chanel Tsang, the host of Peace Out podcast and author of Peace Out: Calm Down Workbook for Kids. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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While Jonathan and Redge take a summer break, we have a special treat from our new pod pals at Cozy Critters, the podcast perfect for bedtime or anytime you need a calming adventure. And guess what? The episode we’re sharing is all about hedgehogs! Dougie Pickles and his purr-fest host, Miss Meow Meow will tell you more about these cute and cozy critters - with soothing sounds, fun facts and relaxing breathing exercises to help you wind down.

Big shout-out to Finn, age 5, who wanted to learn more about us prickly pals. Jonathan shared a few fun facts on the summer edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, but now everyone can learn even more about Redge’s favorite subject. 

Find more Cozy Critters episodes: https://www.cozycritterspodcast.com/ 

CREDITS: Many thanks to Dougie Pickles, Miss Meow Meow, and the entire Cozy Critters team for letting us share this snuggly episode. If your young listener wants to request an animal for their show, visit CozyCrittersPodcast.com to send in their ideas.

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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“Big breath, magic at my fingertips, and a quest in my heart!” Owen was trying to enjoy some tea and a little magical me-time when—oops!—they accidentally cast a very real, very powerful spell straight from the pages of their favorite comic, Gwyn Guardian the Grand. When an evil shadow wizard escapes from the story and into the real world, Owen realizes that only a dangerous quest can stop it before all magic is lost forever. With a reluctant Knight and a trinket-loving dragon by their side, Owen must find the legendary Scroll of Luminosity to unlock the light that could save them all.

Owen and the Lost Scroll is brought to you by Girl Tales and Dorktales Storytime podcasts to celebrate neurodiversity. The episode features an all-autistic cast and captures the power in different ways of thinking, feeling and imagining. 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/owen-and-the-lost-scroll/  

DOWNLOAD FREE COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP115colorpage    

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep115freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In Owen and the Lost Scroll, young listeners follow a magical adventure sparked by an accidental spell, leading to a journey filled with shadows, lost magic, and surprising truths. As Owen teams up with a self-doubting knight and a quirky dragon, the story explores how bravery, friendship, and inner confidence can triumph over fear. Through moments of humor and heart, kids learn that asking for help is a strength, that hope can be a guiding light in dark times, and that everyone—magical or not—has something special to contribute.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS FANTASY ADVENTURE with Owen, you might like their first adventure EP87 Owen and the Ancient Cedar:  https://jonincharacter.com/owen-and-the-order-of-the-ancient-cedar/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Dorktales Storytime and Girl Tales podcast collaboration. Owen and the Lost Scroll was written by Molly Murphy, produced by Chad Chenail, performed by Imani Russell and Jonathan Cormur, and executive produced by Rebecca Cunningham and Jodi Murphy. 

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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In Wonderland, nothing is ever quite what it seems, including Alice’s birthday. The White Rabbit, who promised to celebrate with her, keeps darting off in all directions. Even the Mad Hatter deflates her hopes for a special day when he un-invites her to tea—because it’s not her unbirthday. Feeling lost and forgotten, Alice wonders if anything can turn the day around—until the Cheshire Cat appears with a curious new path to follow. In a land where left is right and up is down, a day full of bummers might just bounce back into the best birthday yet.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/alices-birthday-bummer/

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP114colorpage          

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep114freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In “Alice’s Birthday Bummer,” young listeners journey through the emotional ups and downs of a birthday that doesn’t go as planned. As Alice faces disappointment, confusion, and the chaos of Wonderland, she also learns the importance of expressing her feelings, leaning on her friends, and staying open to unexpected joy. The story gently encourages emotional resilience, empathy, and the idea that a “bad day” can still hold a happy ending.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about Alice in Wonderland, you may like these episodes:

• Alice in Slumberland https://jonincharacter.com/alice-in-slumberland/ 
• Jabberwock This Way https://jonincharacter.com/jabberwock-this-way/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Monique Hafen Adams, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur and Sabrina Glow. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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The sun is shining, the questions are sizzling, and Mr. Redge is soaking it all in—headphones on, beach towel out, and ready for the A’s to your Q’s! 

It’s the summer edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, where we answer YOUR curious, clever, and wonder-filled questions. Jonathan and Redge share favorite podcast moments, reveal the most important lore story from the Land of Once Upon a Time, snack on seaweed crisps, and send out shoutouts galore. Plus, Jonathan shares exciting updates about the Summer Listening Challenge and what’s coming next in the Dorktales world. So grab your lemonade and tune in for a sunny episode filled with a few laughs and lots of listener love.

JOIN THE SUMMER LISTENING CHALLENGE and earn rewards: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/ 

FOR THE GROWNUPS: Want to send in a question for a future Hotline episode? Email us at [email protected] with your young listener’s first name, age, and their awesome question—written or recorded! You can also reach us through our contact form at https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/, leave a comment on Spotify, or include a question in a 5-star review. We’ll do our best to feature as many as we can!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

• Riddle of Red Herring Reef: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/ 
• Donna and Greta’s So-fish-ticated Seaweed Snacks(In Isabella Alone Abbott):https://jonincharacter.com/isabella-aiona-abbott/ 
• The Magical Doorway: https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway/ 
• Jolly Holly Hedgehog: https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/
• Owen and the Order of the Ancient Cedar: https://jonincharacter.com/owen-and-the-order-of-the-ancient-cedar/ 

Support the show

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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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While exploring the Fantasea in their magical minivan-submarine, Jonathan and Redge discover Red Herring Reef, a vibrant underwater village. Just in time for the annual Jubilee of the Sea art show, they meet Ariel the mermaid, who dazzles as the MuSEAum’s lively curator. While on the School of Fish tour, they find one of the frames is mysteriously empty! Their curiosity turns into a full-blown caper, as our friends flip their fins and dive into detective mode to crack the case. What they uncover may reveal more than just the whereabouts of the artwork—it could help a mermaid re-discover her voice. 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/ 

DOWNLOAD the free color page: https://bit.ly/missing-masterpiece          

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep113freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In Riddle of Red Herring Reef, Jonathan and Redge travel to an underwater village where they meet Ariel the Mermaid, curator and tour guide of an undersea art show. When a mysterious empty frame is discovered, Redge takes on the role of detective to crack the case. As the clues unfold, Ariel reveals that she created the missing painting but hid it out of fear of sharing her personal expression. The encouragement of her new friends helps her find the courage to display her work and celebrate her voice. This episode gently explores themes of self-confidence, creativity, and the importance of community support.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY you may enjoy learning about  Eugenie Clark and Isabella Aiona Abbott, two Hidden Heroes of History whose work in our oceans helped all mankind:

• https://jonincharacter.com/eugenie-clark/
• https://jonincharacter.com/isabella-aiona-abbott/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written by Kristin Schmitz and Molly Murphy. Ariel and Gill were performed by Sophie, who you can find streaming on twitch.tv/s0ph. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at P

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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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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A tale of secret codes and early computers! Alan Turing was a British mathematician and thinker who helped turn the tide of World War II for the United Kingdom and its allies. His groundbreaking work also laid the foundation for much of the technology we use today. As a child, Alan loved solving puzzles—like tracking the patterns of bees—and as a teen, he spent many late nights working through challenging math problems. From imagining the Turing Machine to cracking the uncrackable Enigma Code, Alan’s story is one of brilliance, perseverance, and bravery. He didn’t always fit in, but his unique way of thinking changed the world.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/alan-turing/              

Get a free activity guide on Alan Turing: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep112freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Alan Turing, you may also enjoy learning about Mary Golda Ross, another STEM hero of history whose early work in space exploration helped put humans into space: 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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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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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Hesper, the Fairy of the Evening Star, casts a dream-traveling spell to take Redge on his long-awaited journey to Slumberland. With her moth companion, Vesper, by her side, the trio soar along the starry brick road to explore the dreamy realm’s enchanting destinations—from a visit to the Shut Eye Shopping District, a cuppa at Forty Winks Tea House, and a run through the clouds to catch some Z’s at Catnap Castle. Let the stardust of this story work its magic and slip you into a lovely sleep. Your dreams will be sweet and grand in merry Slumberland! 

This episode includes the lullaby, Slumberland, by Molly Murphy.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/journey-to-slumberland/ 

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep111freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In “Journey to Slumberland,” Hesper the fairy of the evening star guides her moth companion Vesper and their friend Redge the hedgehog along the starry brick road to Slumberland. They  practice mindful thinking and shop for the essentials they'll need for restful slumber - sleep masks, cozy pajamas, and calming teas. Redge learns from Slumberland's locals how rest and self-care are as important as a bedtime adventure. This tale encourages children to embrace curiosity, rely on supportive friends, and develop simple bedtime routines that help them drift into restful, imaginative sleep.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS BEDTIME SLEEP STORY with Hesper and Vesper, you might also enjoy two other stories: 

• EP75 Once Upon a Lullaby: https://jonincharacter.com/once-upon-a-lullaby/
• EP89 The Disobedient Dream: https://jonincharacter.com/the-disobedient-dream/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Molly who performed the character Hesper, the fairy of the evening star. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. The song ‘Slumberland’ was written, produced and performed by Molly Murphy and mastered by Jermaine Hamilton. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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With binoculars ready and journals in hand, Jonathan and Redge meet up with their Bigfoot friend, Samuel Squatch, for a day of birdwatching by Legend Lake. The bird-loving buddies soon learn that migration season is more than the return of their favorite birds—it’s a full blown fashion event! As glowing fairies light up the forest canopy, birds both real and mythical strut their stuff in style—from classical geese in flight to a phoenix who sets the fashion world on fire. The glam parade celebrates the natural world, the stylish flair of feathers, and the marvels of migration.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/migration-fashion-show/  

BONUS! MIGRATION FASHION SHOW COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP110pdf

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep110freePDF  

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This adventure is an exploration of the wonders of bird migration set as a surprise spring fashion show hosted by a pleasant pheasant fashionista. It introduces kids to both real and mythical birds while highlighting themes of nature’s diversity, appreciation for nature, and creative self-expression. Built into the narrative are facts about why birds migrate, what helps them travel long distances and other interesting tidbits. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY with Jonathan, Redge and Samuel Squatch, you might like the story about how they met in EP83 Bigfoot’s Legendary Birdsong: https://jonincharacter.com/bigfoots-legendary-birdsong/ 

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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Get ready for a Fall and Winter season of stories! Follow, like, subscribe and support Dorktales Storytime https://pod.link/dorktales-storytime

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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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Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!