SparkleCast Podcast

By Sparkle Stories

Education Kids & Family

What's SparkleCast Podcast about?

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

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SparkleCast Podcast episodes:

05.11.2017
SC#16: Inclusion, Teasing, and Bullying with Kim John Payne
Kim John Payne is an internationally renowned family consultant and author of the book, Simplicity Parenting. In this episode, Kim, David, and Rebecca use the Junkyard Tales story “Buster” to talk about what is traditionally called "teasing" and "bullying" and...
04.19.2017
Story#16: "Buster: A Story About Bullying"
In today's story: Zippy, the porcupine, has a secret. It’s a secret he doesn’t want to share. He finally entrusts his secret to his feline friend, Ben Thompson: Zippy is being teased by a badger that lives in the field...
04.13.2017
SC#15: An Introduction to Homeschooling with Jamie Martin
Jamie Martin is co-founder and editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time." In this episode, Jamie, David, and Rebecca use the Martin & Sylvia story “A Map...
04.05.2017
Story#15: "A Map of the Year"
In today's story: It is the first week of school and in Martin and Sylvia's house, that means transforming the dining room table into the homeschool work table. Everybody is excited about new books, new materials and indeed, new subjects...
03.28.2017
SC#14: Sibling Rivalry with Dr. Carrie Contey
Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being. In this episode of SparkleCast, Carrie, David and Rebecca talk about common...
03.08.2017
Story#14: "Martin and Sylvia: The Snowball Factory"
In today's story: Sometimes Martin just wants to be alone – and this can be frustrating to Sylvia his younger sister. After Sylvia insists on playing the same games, working on the same projects and talking about the same things,...
03.08.2017
SC#13: For the Love of Science with Podcasts "Tumble," "Brains On!" and "The Show about Science"
This week’s SparkleCast features three producers and hosts of popular science podcasts for kids, who joined us from around the country: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of “Tumble,” a science podcast for kids; Sanden Totten,...
02.22.2017
Story#13: "Measuring the World"
In today's story: When Sylvia declares that she knows everything there is to know about her best friend, Sofia, Momma suggest she use the scientific method to test her theory. And what is the scientific method? Momma explains that it...
02.15.2017
SC#12: The Gifts of Outdoor Education with Meghan Fitzgerald
Meghan Fitzgerald is co-founder of Tinkergarten. Tinkergarten provides engaging, early-childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all – the outdoors. In this episode of SparkleCast, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Winter Wonder,” in which Helmut, one of the...
02.07.2017
Story#12: "Winter Wonder"
In today's story: At Goose-eye Wilderness Camp, Martin notices that his friend Sam is feeling tired of winter and missing her home in Arizona. He hesitates to tell her that there are still several weeks of winter left, but luckily...
01.31.2017
SC#11: Welcoming New Baby with Bryn Huntpalmer
Bryn Huntpalmer is the host of the popular audio podcast, "The Birth Hour." In this episode of SparkleCast, Bryn, David, and Rebecca talk about the new story “New Brother/New Sister” – a story about a boy named Nathan who gets...
01.25.2017
Story#11: "New Brother (New Sister): a Story about Welcoming the New Baby"
In today's story: Little Nathan loves his days with his mother and father. He loves their attention, he loves their snuggles and he loves playing with them ... when they are able to play. When he learns that his parents...
01.18.2017
SC#10: Inspiring a Love of History with Steve Sheinkin
Steve Sheinkin is an award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults. In this episode of SparkleCast, Steve, David and Rebecca talk about “The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called “FIFTY: The Stars,...
01.18.2017
Story#10: "The View From Above"
In today's story: Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot’s license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women’s Air Derby – right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for...
01.03.2017
SC#9: Developing Inner Guidance with Leo Sofer
Leo Sofer is an intuitive storyteller and teacher based in Devon, England. In this episode of SparkleCast, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Listening to the Story Whispers” and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both...
12.28.2016
Story#9: "Listening to the Story Whispers"
In today's story: When brother and sister attend a storytelling workshop, Sylvia insists on telling her "Babbit Stories". She can't wait! She knows everyone will love them. Then the storyteller teaches her that some of the best stories come from...
12.13.2016
SC#8: The Twelve Days of Christmas with Meredith Markow
Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse “Head of School”! In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, Rebecca, and David discuss the collection "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas” – the stories-within-the-stories of...
12.07.2016
Story#8: "Tullyport Christmas – Tale Nine: Blueberry Buccelleti"
In today's story: Georgio Mangiapane wants to make the best Buccelleti in all of New York City. And so, having heard of the magical blueberries of the northeastern coast, he travels to Maine to find the perfect ingredient. But a...
11.30.2016
SC#7: Inspiring Service with Laura Chauvin of Her Best Foot Forward
Laura Chauvin is a veteran non-profit strategist and charitable advisor. Working with women in Tanzania and the U.S., she created Her Best Foot Forward, beautiful sandals which, through collaboration, sustainability and style, empower women and girls in Africa. In this...
11.19.2016
Story#7: "Purple"
In today's story: Lydia is a wealthy merchant who dyes and sells purple cloth to those who can afford it. She lives a life of luxury but has a single regret - she hasn't heard from her son in years....
11.15.2016
SC#6: Inspiring a Love of Music with Andrew & Polly
Andrew & Polly are award-winning music makers and the hosts of Ear Snacks, a radical podcast for kids and families. In this episode, Andrew, Polly, David, and Rebecca talk about music and ways to introduce or boost music appreciation in...
11.14.2016
Story#6: "The Band"
In today's story: It's a warm afternoon at the Junkyard. The Warden's car windows are down, and the sound of the radio is carried through the spring air. Ben can't help but be inspired -- could the Junkyard friends make...
11.08.2016
Bonus Story: "The Council of Fools"
In today's story: *This bonus story is in honor of today's historic election. We wanted to give parents and classrooms a basis to talk about the election, leadership, and what it means to be a citizen. As we post this...
11.03.2016
Bonus Story: "The Fischer from the Top Branch"
In today's story: “The Fischer from the Top Branch” is a story about an election. A water hole in the Serengeti plains needs a leader who will represent all creatures who need water. So - a ‘Prefect’ is elected every...
11.01.2016
SC#5: Developing a Festival Life with Susan Weber
Susan Weber, an early childhood expert and educator, is Director of Sophia's Hearth Family Center in Keene, New Hampshire. In this episode of SparkleCast, Susan, David, and Rebecca talk about how to develop the festival life of your household or...
10.25.2016
Story#5: "A Little Bit of Light"
In today's story: Every year when the trees have all lost their leaves and the ground starts to frost in the morning, brother and sister start to make their lanterns for their annual lantern festival. This year they can't go...
10.18.2016
SC#4: Understanding Your Child with Meredith Markow
Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse “Head of School”! In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, David, and Rebecca talk about Sparkle Schoolhouse and how the Dry Gables story series can be...
10.17.2016
Story#4: "Marta Bauer: Baker and Peacemaker"
In today’s story: When conflict comes to Dry Gables — when there are arguments, disagreements or blocks in the road to peace — the people of Dry Gables go to one place: Marta Bauer's bakery. Somehow she always knows what...
10.12.2016
SC#3: Managing Anxiety with Renee Jain
Renee Jain is one of the nation’s most respected childhood happiness and resilience experts. Renee is the founder and Chief Storyteller at GoZen! She uses her many talents, specialized education, and business acumen in pursuit of her life’s mission: To...
10.12.2016
Story#3: "Someone Else's Dragon"
In today's story: The people of Solvei’s village mark the end of the growing season and the beginning of the dark time with a yearly festival. In this joyful celebration, the villagers dress as dragons that represent the things they...
10.12.2016
SC#2: Calming Down with Jonathan Hewitt
Sensei Jonathan Hewitt is the co-author of “Life Ki-do Parenting: Tools to Raise Happy Confident Kids from the Inside Out” and founder of Life Ki-do Martial Arts and Life Education in Austin, Texas. In this conversation Jonathan, David, and Rebecca...
10.12.2016
Story#2: "The Dark"
In today's story: It’s autumn: the days are getting shorter, and the dark comes earlier. Martin is feeling nervous. His eyes don’t work as well at night, and he worries about shadows and other things he can’t see. All of...
10.12.2016
SC#1: Being Present with Big Emotions with Dr. Carrie Contey
Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being. In this conversation, Carrie, David, and Rebecca discuss how children can healthily...
10.03.2016
Story#1: "The Dragon and the Unicorn"
In today's story: There was once a land far to the north that was held in healthy balance by a dragon and a unicorn. When the people of that land tried to control the dragon, the unicorn returned to the...