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Dorktales Storytime

Dorktales Storytime

Jonathan Cormur

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1 Creator

Be the hero of your own story with Dorktales Storytime, the award-winning podcast for kids and their pop culture loving grownups. Enter their Once Upon a Time world where hosts, Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, take you on a storytelling journey of curiosity and acceptance. You’ll explore reimagined fairytales and fables with social emotional themes, discover inspiring stories of history’s hidden heroes, and experience imaginary tales of boundless possibilities.

Recognized by Common Sense Media as outstanding entertainment with an official seal for quality and impact. Common Sense Selections include age-appropriate media with the potential to spark family conversations, entertain families of all kinds, and have a positive, lasting effect on society.
Reach out to us at [email protected]

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Top 10 Dorktales Storytime Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Dorktales Storytime episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Dorktales Storytime for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Dorktales Storytime episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Dorktales Storytime - Eugenie Clark, Hidden Hero of History
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05/05/22 • 15 min

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A story of diving, discovery, and the Shark Lady! Fascinated by marine life as a child, Eugenie Clark grew to become a leading ichthyologist who changed the way scientists study ocean life. Throughout her career, she conducted 72 submersible dives, led more than 200 field expeditions, and pioneered the practice of underwater research through scuba diving. She cared deeply for sharks, swimming among them (and riding on the back of a 50-foot whale shark) in order to understand their behaviors. She inspired the public's curiosity, awe, and wonder, turning the tides on what we thought we knew about these misunderstood ocean creatures.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/eugenie-clark
Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
YOUR KIDS ON OUR SHOW: Contact our “Mr. Redge Hotline” for a chance for a shout out or featured in one of our episodes! Leave us a voicemail, email, video or use our color page - https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/
PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another storytelling podcast we think you’ll enjoy: ABC Story Sisters! Join sisters Alexa, Bristol and Charlotte as they bring classic children’s literature to life for kids...and kids at heart. Season 4 flies you off to Neverland for the story of Peter Pan. Go to abcstorysisters.com and follow them on Instagram @abcstorysisters
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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Dorktales Storytime - Hogenstein, a Spooky Halloween Tale
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10/06/22 • 16 min

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It’s aliiiive!! Deep in the Foreshadow, the ever-dark lands of Once Upon a Time, lived Hogenstein, the infamous warthog scientist who invented “It’s Alive No. 5!” Using this freaky formula, a lightning rod and a fierce thunderstorm, he and his loyal lab assistant, Lugo the bat, brought a super creature to life. Muahahaha! But wait...that’s not what’s so terrifying about this tale—the scariest part is when the creature goes out into the world alone to face his fears.
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our reimagining of the classic, “Frankenstein,” where facing one’s fears is scarier than a spooky story. In our version, the creature goes out into the world on his own, tries things he has never tried before, and has the courage to never give up. He kept trying his best, even when the townspeople judged him before he had the chance to show them his big heart.
Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/hogenstein-a-halloween-tale/
For more Halloween listening, try Sleepy Hallow’s Eve: https://jonincharacter.com/sleepy-hallows-eve/
Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited by Molly Murphy. All characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another kids podcast we think you’ll enjoy: Armchair Adventures! It’s a super-fun and a little bit bonkers series for kids aged 6-10. Find more on their website and @armchairadventuresuk on Instagram.

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

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Dorktales Storytime - A Fowl First Impression

A Fowl First Impression

Dorktales Storytime

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04/21/22 • 16 min

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Harumph! Why is a new neighbor making Mr. Redge’s quills stand on end? Maybe his outlook will change after hearing the story of the pompous peacock who struts his fine feathers while prejudging the friendly crane. Will he connect with the crane’s advice to stay open minded, or will he stand firm with his first fowl impression?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our reimagining of the fable, “The Peacock and the Crane.” Seeing past the surface is the lesson of this story. Sometimes we tell ourselves that our value is only skin deep and it makes us feel insecure. We can also be too quick to cast judgments on others before we get to know them. It’s character that matters. Be thoughtful and kind to yourself and others.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/fowl-first-impression
Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
YOUR KIDS ON OUR SHOW: Contact our “Mr. Redge Hotline” for a chance for a shout out or featured in one of our episodes! Leave us a voicemail, email, video or use our color page - https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

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 Studios.

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

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Dorktales Storytime - Once Upon a Time – Dorktales Theme Song!
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10/13/22 • 7 min

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“It’s a beautiful day for a story, adventure and glory, new friends, and old ones too!” We’re very excited to bring you, dear listeners, our original theme song, performed by the Folktale Forest’s resident bird band, the Branch Sisters. The lyrics are a tribute to YOU, our dork squad, who join Jonathan and Mr. Redge each episode as they set sail on adventures through the imagination—taking you to a “brand, new world with twists and turns and lessons learned, and journeys most exhilarating.” Thank you for helping us bring joy, magic, and good stories into the world!

AVAILABLE ON BANDCAMP: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music
AVAILABLE ON BUY ME A COFFEE: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales/e/94779
FIND LYRICS on the episode webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/once-upon-a-time-dorktales-theme-song/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Our show intro was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Our theme song was written, produced, and performed by Molly Murphy, and engineered & mixed by Andrew Sheron at Conveyor Studios in New York City. The song also features vocals from Monique Hafen Adams and Kristin Schmitz, drums from Phil Harris, and bass, piano, and additional instruments from Andrew Sheron. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studios.

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

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Dorktales Storytime - Jerry Lawson, Hidden Hero of History
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06/02/22 • 21 min

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An epic quest to uncover an early video game pioneer! As a teen, Jerry Lawson was a self-taught electronics wiz—building ham radios, making walkie-talkies from scratch, and repairing his neighbor’s TVs. His love of new technologies brought him to California where he became one of the only Black engineers in Silicon Valley. While there, he changed the course of the video game industry with his revolutionary invention—the Channel F game console with interchangeable cartridges. Today, his legacy is paving the way for a new generation of inventive engineers!
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/jerry-lawson
Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
Learn even more about Jerry Lawson from these great resources:

PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another storytelling podcast we think you’ll enjoy: African Folktales with Miss JoJo! It’s a Webby Award-winning children’s podcast of diverse short stories originating in Africa. Find more on their website: https://www.abfc.co/shows/african-folktales/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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

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Dorktales Storytime - Brave Aviators, Hidden Heroes of History!
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07/08/21 • 20 min

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Welcome to Brave Aviator Airlines, where stories take flight! Unbuckle your curiosity as we take off on an adventure through time to meet four pioneers of aviation: Bessie Coleman, Hazel Ying Lee, Maggie Gee and Mae Jemison. From flying circuses and Avenger Field to the space shuttle Endeavor, these women broke through racial and gender barriers to reach new heights of acceptance in the field of aviation and beyond!

Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and human rights who changed the world. Join us as we uncover the stories of the STEAMers and dreamers who made history!
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/brave-aviators/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s hero story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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

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Dorktales Storytime - Bear-Weather Friends

Bear-Weather Friends

Dorktales Storytime

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05/19/22 • 19 min

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Two traveling dudes mindlessly meander down a path when they awaken ferocious O, a ginormous growling bear, from his peaceful slumber! Will these best bro buddies help each other to safety when the bear barrels towards them in full bluster? Or will one have to learn a righteous lesson about who he can truly count on when things get tough?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our reimagining of the Aesop fable, “The Two Travelers and a Bear.” The theme of this story is “What is a true friend?” Good friends don’t just care about themselves. And true friends stick by you when things are going right, and when things are going wrong.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/bear-weather-friends
MR. REDGE’S HOTLINE ALERT! After the story, listener Ella Grace, age 7, calls the Mr. Redge Hotline to ask about her favorite character, the Big Bad Wolf! Timestamp: 14: 52
CONTACT MR. REDGE HOTLINE Grownups, have your kids contact us for a chance to appear in a future podcast Episode: https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/
Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another audio fiction podcast for kids we think you’ll enjoy: Ben & Sophie: Woby’s Secret! It’s a mysteriously funny audio adventure by Spoken Movie Project. Find more at spokenmoviewproject.com and on Instagram @spokenmovieproject
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 Studios.

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

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Dorktales Storytime - Special Message: The WHY Behind Dorktales Storytime
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07/05/22 • 4 min

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We’re 50 episodes in so Molly Murphy, writer, producer and composer for Dorktales Storytime—and our host, Jonathan Cormur’s sister—has a special message about why storytelling and imagination are so incredibly important to the Dorktales’ Team:
“We love making this podcast because we can tell all kids that everything they’re feeling is valid. We can give them tools for navigating the world, and stories to turn to where they can hear that they matter and they’re enough. We want to be that community for young people. We want Dorktales to be the space where kids can celebrate who they are without fear.”
READ THE SPECIAL MESSAGE:
https://jonincharacter.com/whats-the-why-behind-dorktales-storytime/
THE MAGICAL DOORWAY, OUR 50TH EPISODE:
https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

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

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Dorktales Storytime - Alice in Slumberland

Alice in Slumberland

Dorktales Storytime

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11/03/22 • 16 min

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After tumbling down the rabbit hole, Alice and Mr. Redge find themselves smack dab in the middle of the Queen of Hearts kingdom. Seeing her subjects so forlorn over her majesty’s ill-temper, the two concoct a clever croquet challenge to rid her of her crotchety ways. Can the queen learn their lesson of cooperation and good sportsmanship, or will she command that everyone go, OFF TO THEIR BEDS?!
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is a reimagined story based on “The Queen’s Croquet Ground” chapter in the classic, “Alice in Wonderland” story. The queen’s behavior demonstrates constant demands for perfection and poor sportsmanship. In the end, she learns lessons in cooperation, teamwork, and finding better ways of working with others.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/alice-in-slumberland/
Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
SPECIAL THANKS: Our delightful Alice is performed by Sabrina Glow from The Glow Girls Voiceover. She’s a professional voice over talent whose clients include Nick Jr, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel. Visit her website: https://glowgirlskidvoiceover.com/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and edited by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Sabrina Glow for voicing the character, Alice. All other characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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Dorktales Storytime - Twas a Night Most Jolly Holly
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12/01/22 • 5 min

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‘Tis the season of good cheer and you, dear listeners, are our reason to be merry! Once Upon a Times’ traditional hedgehog holiday has almost begun—but before the festivities commence, Mr. Redge has invited the Folktale Forest’s Society of Bards and Balladeers to give you a glimpse into the magic of Jolly Holly Day. So, with narrative expressions of joy and great glee they present the poem, ’Twas a Night Most Jolly Holly.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This episode was inspired by “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” to describe a holiday tradition from our imaginative land of Once Upon a Time. It demonstrates another important form of storytelling: the narrative poem. Poetry is a form of self-expression and it helps us understand and appreciate the world around us.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/twas-a-night-most-jolly-holly/

Listen to our Jolly Holly Hedgehog Holiday BONUS episode: https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/

Our special guest voice actors originally performed their characters in these episodes:

Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to our special guest voice actors Eric O’Keeffe, Erica Ludwig, Sabrina Glow, Chanel Tsang, and Melissa Victor. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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Podcast Q&A

Why did you start this show?

We created Dorktales Storytime for kids to celebrate and validate their unique life experiences. We remember being bullied for being different and understand the importance of supporting young people as they navigate growing up. Our brand of storytelling offers hope and imagination, where everyone is celebrated for being themselves.

What do you hope listeners gain from listening to your show?

Listeners experience an inclusive world of imaginative storytelling, filled with reimagined fairytales, fables and lore stories that teach empowering life lessons. They’ll discover hidden heroes of history who made huge impacts in STEAM fields. Everything is presented in a diverse and accepting universe that celebrates the magic of embracing our differences. Through these stories, we provide kids and their grownups with engaging, educational, and entertaining content.

Which episode should someone start with?

Most of the stories standalone so it doesn't really matter which episode you begin with. That said, we have been building our Dorktales ‘Once Upon a Time’ world introducing new characters and new lands within the universe. It might be fun to start at the beginning and go on the storytelling journey with hosts Jonathan and Mr. Redge (the hedgehog). You’ll get to know all the quirky characters and where they call home.

Which have been your favourite episodes so far?

I particularly enjoy the episodes where I can voice multiple characters and incorporate pop-culture references for fun, like Princess and the Pincushion, a fairytale adaptation, or Hogenstein and Sleepy Hallow’s Eve, two of our Halloween episodes. I loved telling the Hidden Hero of History story of Hedy Lamarr as an old-time Hollywood radio show. Really, every episode is so imaginative that it’s a joy to get behind the mic and record them.

Which episode are you most proud of?

I'm especially proud of two episodes: The Jerry Lawson, Hidden Hero of History episode, written as a video game quest about his life and legacy, won a Signal Award and was selected to be a part of his Google Doodle. The 'Redge's K.N.I.G.H.T. School' episode holds a special place because our young guest actor and me are on the autism spectrum. We represent the theme of the episode: being brave enough to be ourselves.

What is your vision for your show?

Our team believes that stories have the power to help young listeners discover their creativity, curiosity and their self-worth. As someone on the autism spectrum, podcasts have been invaluable in my own journey, serving as both educational tools and a means to escape the intricacies of the world. They've provided me with cherished moments spent with beloved characters and stories that have brought me joy and solace. I want to bring those same profound experiences to our young listeners.

What is your favourite other podcast that isn't yours?

I’m going to stay in the kids podcasting space to answer this question. There are so many extraordinary kids’ podcasts made by creators, like us, who care deeply about their young audiences, like Adventures of Power Dog in Dogland, Stoopkid Stories, Girl Tales, What If World, to only name a few. To discover quality kids’ podcasts in all categories, I recommend visiting Common Sense Media for their trusted reviews.

How did you come up with the name for your podcast?

The name Dorktales is a nod to one of my favorite animated series from my childhood in the 90s. We also give our stories a dorky twist by sprinkling in pop-culture references to give grownups a few grins as they listen along with their kids.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a voice actor by trade and in Dorktales Storytime, I take on the roles of both narrator and the voice of my co-host, Mr. Redge, an endearing hedgehog known for his cheeky wit and heartwarming charm. I have also provided the voices for over 75 main characters and a multitude of supporting characters, including a diverse array of queens, kings, princesses, witches, ogres, trolls, a crypt-keeper, and a vast menagerie of sentient creatures...and that list continues to grow.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Dorktales Storytime have?

Dorktales Storytime currently has 128 episodes available.

What topics does Dorktales Storytime cover?

The podcast is about Education For Kids, Stories, Fiction, Kids & Family, History, Educational, Family, Podcasts, Stories For Kids and Kids.

What is the most popular episode on Dorktales Storytime?

The episode title 'Eugenie Clark, Hidden Hero of History' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Dorktales Storytime?

The average episode length on Dorktales Storytime is 18 minutes.

How often are episodes of Dorktales Storytime released?

Episodes of Dorktales Storytime are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Dorktales Storytime?

The first episode of Dorktales Storytime was released on Aug 13, 2020.

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