Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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In this summer edition of the Mr. Redge Hotline, Jonathan and Redge share exciting news about the brand-new Dorktales Fan Page, introduce the first-ever FAN-TALES fan zine, and answer listener questions from around the world. They chat about Rapunzel, Scribbleton, spy missions, the Foreshadow, and celebrate a whole bunch of wonderful listener ideas. Plus, there are shoutouts, and a few top-secret hints about stories still to come.

Important News Alerts:

Introducing FAN TALES, Dorktales Fan-Powered Fun Zine, Issue 1:  https://bit.ly/fantales1
Inside this mini-magazine, you’ll find fantastic thoughts and creations from fans from around the world. 

Calling all Dorktales fans! Check out our brand-new Fan Page: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 
Think of this as a special gathering spot for listeners and their families, where the magic of Dorktales Storytime continues beyond the podcast.

 Have a question for a future Hotline episode? Grownups, go to our fan page or email us [email protected] or leave a comment on Spotify.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Hoist the sails for a pirate adventure across the Fantasea! Join our crew on a high seas quest to find the rare Golden Peanut. Their treasure hunt begins with cracking the mysterious Corvid Code on an ancient map that guides them to the hidden Legume Lagoon. ’Tis a wild journey filled with encounters including a giant squid, wandering whales, and bouncy jellyfish. But when a rival crew of squirrel pirates tries to claim the treasure first, our pirate friends must decide whether to battle for the prize or join forces to discover its magical secret.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/the-golden-peanut/
• DOWNLOAD FUNSHEET: https://bit.ly/dorktales131funsheet 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:  https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep131freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This stories for kids pirate adventure explores themes of cooperation, communication, curiosity, and sharing through a playful pirate adventure. As rival pirate crews compete to claim a legendary treasure, the story reveals that the Golden Peanut’s true magic can only be unlocked through teamwork and trust. Young listeners are encouraged to think about conflict resolution, working together toward a common goal, and how sharing can create more joy and opportunity for everyone.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORIES FOR KIDS  pirate adventure, we think you’ll also enjoy EP72, The Tale of Swashbuckle Joe: https://jonincharacter.com/the-tale-of-swashbuckle-joe/ 

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.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Three goat siblings set off on a quest to reach the hill with the healthiest snacks when they butt heads with a very hangry troll. Are they fit for the challenge? Will it take brains or brawn to beat the troll and cross the bridge? Each goat must use their own special strengths to outsmart the greedy troll and protect one another. Clever tricks, sibling teamwork, and one very surprised flying troll will leave you rolling in clover.

his Dorktales stories for kids classic episode is the reimagined Norwegian fairy tale, Three Billy Goats Gruff.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/three-billy-goats-buff/
• DOWNLOAD FUNSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales18funsheet 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep18freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this playful retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, kids explore how problem-solving can take many forms. Each goat sibling uses a different strength to face a hangry troll, showing that intelligence, creative and strategic thinking, and physical strength all have value. The story also encourages self-confidence, healthy habits, perseverance, and recognizing that everyone approaches challenges differently.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORIES FOR KIDS retelling of Three Billy Goats Gruff, we think you’ll also enjoy EP9, The Boy Who Cried Hedgewolf: https://jonincharacter.com/boy-who-cried-hedgewolf/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready for a high-speed adventure! Redge suits up for the Folktale Forest Grand Prix, a magical Formula 1 race across Once Upon A Time. With help from his pit crew, he solves riddles that guide his route, taking him to princess castles in Mythdom, the foggy waters of Legend Lake and the towering skyline of Litropia. But the race isn’t just about speed, Redge must navigate tricky turns, fierce competition, and a rival team willing to cheat to win. As he zooms towards the finish line, he makes a surprising choice that changes the outcome of the Grand Prix for everyone.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-fantastical-f1/          
• DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales130colorfun 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this this stories for kids episode episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep130freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this stories for kids episode, kids experience a racing adventure that explores teamwork, fairness, perseverance, and empathy. As Redge and Team Mander solve riddles across Once Upon a Time, they discover another team has been cheating to gain an advantage. Instead of seeking revenge, Redge chooses compassion and good sportsmanship, helping a stranded rival return to the race. 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS RACE CAR STORY, we think you’ll also enjoy this tortoise and the hare race adventure, EP10, Ready Set Slow!: https://jonincharacter.com/ready-set-slow/

CREDITS: This stories for kids episode is a Jonincharacter production. It 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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

“Rump, who?” asks Redge as Jonathan spins the tall tale of Daphne, the Miller’s daughter, who must spin thread into gold for a greedy king. Facing an impossible challenge, Daphne must think fast, make tough choices, and outsmart a tricky deal. It’s an epic yarn involving a mysterious little man, a clever guessing game, and a Wizard of Oz–inspired ending full of surprises. 

This fairy tale stories for kids episode about Rumpelstiltskin is a Dorktales Classic.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-rumpletalespin/   
• DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales4colorfun 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep4freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This fairy tales stories for kids episode explores the importance of thoughtful decision-making, especially when under pressure. Daphne faces increasingly difficult challenges and must navigate fear, urgency, and high-stakes choices. The episode encourages children to think critically and recognize the consequences of their actions.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a retelling of a favorite fairy tale, we think you’ll also enjoy episode 32, the Princess and the Pincushion: https://jonincharacter.com/the-princess-and-the-pincushion/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

A story of big ideas and bold curiosity! David Unaipon was an Aboriginal Australian inventor, author, preacher, and lifelong learner who never stopped asking “what if?” His invention of mechanical sheep shears helped farmers go from shearing 30 to 300 sheep a day. It was life-changing! He used scientific thinking and Aboriginal knowledge to create solutions far ahead of his time, including concepts for rotary-wing flight before helicopters existed. David traveled across Australia, sharing ideas about science, storytelling, and culture, inspiring people wherever he went. Today, he appears on Australia’s 50-dollar note, a tribute to his brilliant mind and never-give-up spirit.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/david-unaipon/   

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales129colorpages          

FREE ACTIVITY GUIDE on David Unaipon: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep129freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about David Unaipon, you may also enjoy learning about the agricultural inventor, George Washington Carver: https://jonincharacter.com/george-washington-carver/ 

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, directed and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur and Sophie. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Hercules and his Greek mythological heroes are getting ready to rock the house at Mythic Mania, Legend Lake’s annual battle of the bands. But Hercules keeps finding excuses to leave rehearsals so he doesn’t have to play the drums. After chasing Cerberus the three-headed dog, helping Hydras build an aquatic stage, and tracking down the elusive Golden Deer, everyone begins to wonder what’s really going on. With the clock ticking and the crowd waiting, the band rallies together to help Hercules find his inner strength to rock the beat for one of their biggest moments on stage.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/hercules-and-the-heroes/        

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales128worksheetfun 

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep126freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Hercules and his band prepare for a high-stakes mythic music festival but he becomes overwhelmed as he tries to solve every problem on his own. His struggle highlights the challenge of balancing responsibilities and the pressure of feeling like you must always be the “strong one.” Through support from his friends, Hercules learns that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. The story reinforces that collaboration, communication, and shared problem-solving lead to better outcomes than working alone, especially when time and expectations are high.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about mythical characters, we think you’ll also enjoy episode 83, 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.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Jonathan and Redge return to the land of dinosaurs to compete in the Mini Golf Masters with their Maiasaura friend, Minh. If they can win the Quotatious Period’s biggest golf tournament, the grand prize means Minh can be the first dinosaur to go to space camp. They drive and putt through a wild prehistoric course full of giant frog obstacles, sneaky Pterosaurs, and a twisting Brontosaur’s tail. But when an erupting volcano shakes up their final shot, everything changes, and a happy surprise shows that the ending can be even better than you imagined.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-mini-golf-masters/         

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales127colorfun 

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep127freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: As Minh and his friends work together during a high-stakes mini golf tournament, they learn to adapt, support one another, and stay resilient when things don’t go as planned. The story reinforces that effort, collaboration, and a positive mindset are more important than winning, while also showing that unexpected opportunities can arise even after disappointment.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about the dinosaurs in Once Upon A Time land, we think you’ll also enjoy episode 122, Maiasaura and the Moon: https://jonincharacter.com/maiasaura-and-the-moon/  

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. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Jonathan and Redge wake up early to get in line for Sidequest, the Folktale Forest’s very first game and hobby shop. Redge hopes to find the last, and rarest, card he needs to complete his Cards of Enchantment deck, But before the doors even open, the elusive card escapes and its magic begins causing mystical mishaps! Jonathan and Redge team up with the shop owner in a race to catch the runaway card before everything spirals out of control. Using the powers of Redge’s deck, they play their way through the chaos and restore order, turning the grand opening into an adventure worthy of legend.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-enchanted-sidequest/       

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: bit.ly/dorktalesEP126colorpage    

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep126freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this story, Jonathan, Redge, and Gerard, the shop owner, face a surprising problem when an enchanted card goes missing and its magic begins causing chaos. As they work together to find the card and restore order, listeners see how teamwork, creative thinking, and perseverance can help solve unexpected challenges. The story highlights the importance of helping others, using knowledge and strategy, and staying calm when situations feel confusing or out of control.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a runaway character, we think you’ll also enjoy episode 81, The Gingerfriend Man:  https://jonincharacter.com/the-gingerfriend-man/ 

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.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

The red telephone is ringing and the Question Hat is ready for action! In this spring edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, Jonathan and Redge announce the winners of the T.A.L.E. Tour Dorktales Merch Prize Pack Giveaway, answer listener questions, reveal Redge’s least favorite snack, share Jonathan’s favorite superhero, countdown to Season 7 and end with lots of listener shoutouts.

Important News Alerts:

• Season 7 launches March 19 with “The Enchanted Sidequest,” set in the Folktale Forest’s first-ever game and hobby shop features a magical card that causes mischief and mayhem.
• Once Upon A Merch is now open! Visit our brand-new Dorktales shop for tees, stickers, and more at https://dorktales-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Have a question for a future Hotline episode? Grownups can email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on Spotify.

Support the show

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.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music