Daytime Bonus ☀️ Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings | Fear & Bravery with What If World 💜

Summary

Podcast Summary – Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast

Episode: Daytime Bonus ☀️ Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings | Fear & Bravery with What If World
Date: September 19, 2025
Host(s): Abbe Opher (Koala Moon), Eric O’Keefe (What If World), with featured stories from other kids’ podcasts

Episode Overview

This special daytime episode is part one of the “Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings” series, where over 40 children’s podcasts unite to explore emotions through storytelling. This installment focuses on fear and bravery, featuring stories and insights from Koala Moon, What If World, Smash Boom Best, and What's Poppin Penny. The episode aims to help children (and parents) understand, express, and navigate big emotions in a supportive and creative way.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Introduction to the “Big Emotions” Series

• Host Abbe Opher welcomes listeners, explaining the collaborative nature of the series and the episode’s focus on fear and bravery.
  • “It's a special seven week series where more than 40 kids podcasts have come together to explore big feelings through stories.” [00:04]
  • The episode is recommended as a daytime listen, especially because some segments are more energetic.

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2. Setting the Emotional Stage

Eric O’Keefe (What If World) introduces the importance of emotions and explains how fear and bravery are interconnected.

• “Emotions are useful. They are a source of information. They are our connection to the world. So let's get to know them better, invite them in and create space to choose how we respond to them.” [04:20]
• Shares a personal karate story to illustrate how bravery is not the absence of fear.
  • “Sometimes the bravest thing to do is take a deep breath and slow down… Facing my fear quietly helped me grow beyond it.” [04:20–05:45]
• Explains that facing fears—like jumping into a cold pool—is hard at first, but gets easier with practice.
  • “Facing fears makes them easier to handle. The more you face it, the less scary it becomes. The water doesn't change, but how you experience it does.” [06:00]

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3. Story 1: Jack and the Beanstalk — Smash Boom Best Segment

Retelling of Jack’s adventure through the lens of fear and bravery, combined with a personal anecdote.

• The storyteller emphasizes how stories like Jack and the Beanstalk show us that bravery is about confronting and moving through fear, not perfection.
• Powerful reflection:
  • “Jack wasn't perfect. None of us are. He made terrible decisions like I did… But that wasn't the end of his story. It was the beginning… And he came out the other side, braver and stronger and wiser.” [10:42]
  • “The best fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk give us faith that we can grow up to be better than we are. And that growing up is going to be one heck of an adventure.” [11:33]

Key Segment:

• [08:18–11:33]: Detailed recap of Jack’s quest with the giant, paralleled with the narrator’s own adolescent struggles and lessons on identity and resilience.

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4. Reflecting on Emotions

Eric O’Keefe guides listeners in recognizing and naming their feelings.

• Encourages children to pause and notice which emotions stories make them feel and to experiment with describing those emotions.
  • “Next time a story moves you, pause for a moment, close your eyes, and notice how it makes you feel. Can you put those feelings into words?” [11:33]

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5. Story 2: Isla and the Bravery Dragon — Koala Moon Segment

A gentle bedtime story about sharing courage and supporting friends.

• Isla notices her friend Ezzy is nervous before a school assembly. Instead of just comforting him, she gives him her “Bravery Dragon,” a cherished plush toy that helps her when she's afraid.
  • “Use my Bravery Dragon for the assembly… He's called Bravo and I use him whenever I feel nervous or scared. All you have to do is hold him close. When you feel worried, close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine you are as brave as a dragon.” [15:22]
• The story demonstrates that kindness, empathy, and small acts (like sharing a comfort object) can help someone else feel braver.

Key Segment:

• [14:02–16:42]: Isla’s heartfelt support for Ezzy and the power of friendship and shared courage.

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6. Insights on Emotional Connections

Eric O’Keefe reflects on how feelings bind us together and help us understand ourselves and others.

• “We've all felt fear like that before. And sometimes just hearing a few encouraging words from a friend can make all the difference. But being the one who offers support can feel just as rewarding.” [16:42]
• Emphasizes that noticing and expressing emotions can lead to self-growth and more compassion for others.

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7. Story 3: What’s Poppin Penny? — Comfort Practices for Anxiety

Penny confides in Ta, her magical teddy, about feeling scared after a movie. Ta helps her with mindfulness and grounding techniques.

• Penny doesn’t want her cousin to think she’s “too scared” but admits feeling butterflies in her tummy.
• Ta leads her through
  1. Naming three happy things she sees,
  2. Listening for three sounds,
  3. Doing a Silly Wiggle dance,
  4. Calming deep breaths
• By the end, Penny feels calm:
  • “Ta? The butterflies are all gone.” [21:23]

Key Segment:

• [18:28–21:30]: Penny's journey from fear to calm, demonstrating practical coping tools kids can try.

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8. Wrap-Up: Lessons on Fear and Bravery

Eric summarizes the power of sharing and embracing emotions.

• “Feelings are like smells. Some are sweet. Others are stinky. But none of them are bad or wrong. They just are. They're all trying to tell us something. It's okay to feel however we feel.” [21:30]
• Bravery is shown not only in big acts, but everyday moments like speaking up or trying something new.
• Listeners are teased with a preview of part two, focusing on animals and emotional support.

Thought-provoking closing question:

• “Think back to a time when you had to do something new. Maybe the first time you rode a bike... What helped you push through those first scary I'm not sure what I'm doing moments? If this question got you thinking, let us know…” [End]

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Notable Quotes & Highlights

• “We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” — Eric O’Keefe [04:20]
• “Facing my fear quietly helped me grow beyond it… Bravery doesn’t mean having no fear. It means feeling fear and still moving forward.” — Eric O’Keefe [05:40]
• “The best fairy tales… give us faith that we can grow up to be better than we are.” — Smash Boom Best segment [11:33]
• “All you have to do is hold [Bravo] close. When you feel worried, close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine you are as brave as a dragon.” — Isla (via Abbe Opher) [15:22]
• “Ta? The butterflies are all gone.” — Penny (What’s Poppin Penny) [21:23]
• “Feelings are like smells… But none of them are bad or wrong. They just are.” — Eric O’Keefe [21:30]
• “Big emotions aren't something to fear, they're something to feel.” — Eric O’Keefe [End]

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Important Timestamps

• 00:04 – Abbe Opher introduces the Big Emotions series and explains today's theme (fear and bravery).
• 04:20 – Eric O’Keefe introduces the nature of emotions, and his own story of courage.
• 08:18–11:33 – Smash Boom Best retells Jack and the Beanstalk and reflects on real-life bravery.
• 11:33–14:02 – Eric explains the value of exploring emotions through stories.
• 14:02–16:42 – Koala Moon story: Isla shares her Bravery Dragon with Ezzy before their assembly.
• 16:42–18:28 – Lessons on kindness, emotional connection, and understanding feelings.
• 18:28–21:30 – What’s Poppin Penny? Penny calms her nerves with Ta’s help.
• 21:30–End – Final reflections, recurring themes, and invitation to listeners for introspection.

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Tone

The hosts maintain a warm, reassuring, and gently playful tone throughout. Every segment is rooted in empathy, encouragement, and the conviction that all feelings are valid and can be navigated—especially with the support of friends, family, and imagination.

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Summary

This “Big Emotions” episode weaves together stories, lived experiences, and guided practices to help children recognize, express, and navigate their feelings of fear and bravery. By sharing tangible examples and encouraging reflection, it teaches children that courage often means moving forward in the presence of fear—not its absence—and that even small acts of empathy and kindness can make all the difference. With each story, listeners are invited not just to observe but to try out new ways of facing and sharing their own big emotions, together.

Transcript

[A]

Hello everyone. Abby here. Tonight we're sharing a special bonus episode with you. This is part one of Big Emotions Kids Listen Mash Ups About Feelings. It's a special seven week series where more than 40 kids podcasts have come together to explore big feelings through stories. This is part one of Fear and Bravery, hosted by Eric o' Keefe from what if World. It features one of our own Koala Moon stories, Isla and the Bravery Dragon, which felt like the perfect fit for the episode and is why we're sharing it with you today. You'll also hear stories from the Fantastic Smashboom Best and what's Poppin Penny, as there are clips here from other less sleepy shows. This episode is best enjoyed in the daytime, perhaps on your way to school or while you're out and about. So if you're all tucked up in bed right now, you might want to let this one wait until tomorrow. Rest well, sweet dreams and when the time is right, I hope you enjoy this very special episode. The link to the entire series can be found in the show notes.

[B]

Before we begin, a quick message for the grown ups. If you'd like to support our podcast, Enjoy ad free listening, Unlock four bonus stories per month and much, much more. You can join Coco Club. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes, but now here's a quick word from our sponsors.

[A]

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[C]

Hello and warm welcome. I'm Eric O' Keefe from the kids podcast what if World and I'm so glad you're here. This is part one of Big Emotions. Kids Listen mashups about feelings. In this series we'll be exploring those big feelings because they can be powerful and so can we. Emotions are useful. They are a source of information. They are our connection to the world. So let's get to know them better, invite them in and create space to choose how we respond to them. We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust the sails. Today's journey is all about fear and bravery, two powerful feelings that seem opposite but are actually deeply connected. Because we had so many amazing thoughts on these feelings to share with, we decided to split this adventure into two episodes. So whether you're in the car or in the classroom, be sure to tune back in for the second installment. So what does fear and bravery mean to me? Well, when I was a kid, I took karate. Not to become the next Karate Kid, but because I had a bully, I practice obsessively imagining an epic showdown. But my teacher, Mr. McGlynn, saw right through me. He taught me something even more powerful than fighting de escalation. He showed me that sometimes the bravest thing to do is take a deep breath and slow down Guess what? I never even had to face my bully. Facing my fear quietly helped me grow beyond it. Fear can actually be helpful, warning us of danger or helping us get ready for big moments. But sometimes that alarm goes off for no reason, holding us back instead. Bravery doesn't mean having no fear. It means feeling fear and still moving forward. Here's something cool. Facing fears makes them easier to handle. Kind of like jumping into a cool pool. At first the water feels freezing, but then you get used to it. The more you face it, the less scary it becomes. The water doesn't change, but how you experience it does. This collaboration brings together our community of creators, each offering their own unique perspective on emotions. Through a morsel from each show, we introduce you to a new creative style. We hope you discover your favorite podcast here. So for now, get comfy, settle in, and let's dive into these incredible stories about fear and and bravery. Our first Kids Listen show to explore fear and bravery is Smash Boom. Best, a debate show from the makers of Brains On. In each episode, two cool things go head to head, and listeners decide which is best. Along the way, the debaters use facts and heaps of passion to teach you how to defend your own opinions. For this big emotions mash up smashboom. Best shared a clip that highlights the most thrilling and terrifying parts of Jack and the Beanstalk. You know the story and this heartfelt moment, the narrator connects Jack's fear and bravery to his own experiences growing up. Let's listen.

[D]

If you tell it right, it's a straight up thrill fest. Allow me. On Jack's third trip up the beanstalk, the giant is certain that he smells the boy somewhere. He starts searching all over the house. But he didn't think to look in the bathtub. So Jack is able to sneak away with the golden harp he'd taken.

[C]

Help.

[E]

Help.

[C]

He's stealing me.

[D]

Jack had no idea that this harp could talk. The giant comes charging out of the house after Jack, and Jack has to weave and dodge until he gets to the beanstalk. Then he starts climbing down. And at first the giant is too scared to go after him because the beanstalk doesn't look sturdy. But then.

[C]

Help.

[A]

Help. Master. Come get me.

[D]

The giant swings himself down onto the beanstalk and it shakes so badly Jack nearly falls off. And now the giant is coming after him faster and faster, closer and closer, until. I'm not going to tell you anymore, but that's one heck of a cliffhanger. Or is it a stock hanger? Aside from being a better story, Jack and the Beanstalk also has a better life lesson. Hang with me, because we're about to get personal. When I was in middle school, I was a fool. I was always goofing off in class trying to impress the cool kids. It never worked. Often it ended with me in the principal's office. Once, it ended up with the cool kids getting the whole class to point at me and chant poser, poser, poser. Which was 90s slang. That meant I was a fan follower, that I didn't know who I was. That moment sent me on a journey. I fell in with some real troublemakers and I got in more trouble. And then I decided to have no friends at all. And so I was alone. Finally, in ninth grade, I met two guys who weren't cool and who weren't troublemakers. They were smart and nice, and we became friends. Jesse and Ryan are still two of my best friends to this day. Jesse and I even created the book series the Unicorn Rescue Society together. So you might think that fairy tales are supposed to have a moral to teach you a lesson.

[C]

Like don't judge a book by its.

[B]

Cover or don't tell wolves where your grandma lives.

[D]

But moral lessons like that don't really help you through tough times. No one wants to be preached at. The best fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk aren't moral tales. They are tales that give you strength. Jack wasn't perfect. None of us are. He made terrible decisions like I did. He traded his cow for beans and he let his mother down. But that wasn't the end of his story. It was the beginning. It led to an incredible adventure, full of wonder and laughter and mortal terror. And he came out the other side, braver and stronger and wiser. The best fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk give us faith that we can grow up to be better than we are. And that growing up is going to be one heck of an adventure.

[C]

That was beautiful. Have you ever stopped to think about what emotions a story makes you feel? Jack and the Beanstalk is full of fear and courage. But what about other stories you love? Next time a story moves you, pause for a moment, close your eyes, and notice how it makes you feel. Can you put those feelings into words? Just like Smashboom best teaches us to defend our opinions, we can also take time to understand our emotions and express them. Have you noticed how many words we use to describe different but related feelings? It's also interesting to notice that our feelings don't just flip on or off. They often come in different strengths or degrees. Fear is when something scary is happening right now, like when Jack faced the giant, if fear is really strong, we might feel terrified. Sometimes we're just nervous, a little uncomfortable because we don't know what to expect. I other times we feel anxious, which is a longer lasting kind of fear about something that might happen. When we're anxious, our brain often asks, what if something bad happens? Something my what if World brain knows all too well. But just because we can imagine something doesn't mean it's likely or true. Next time your brain plays the what if game, flip the script. What if it doesn't? Or what if something good happens? And even if something tough does happen, remember you won't go through it alone. You have people who care about you and that makes all the difference. Up next, we have a heartfelt clip from Koala Moon, a podcast that helps families unwind with gentle, comforting bedtime stories. This episode Isla and the Bravery Dragon was inspired by a real listener who donated her own beloved Bravery Dragon, a soft, cuddly toy that gave courage to anyone who held it, helping them to overcome their fears, Settle in and listen to Koala Moon with Isla and the bravery dragon.

[B]

Ms. Fudge allowed them all to practise their lines one more time before the other students would start filing into the hall for assembly. Everybody spoke their lines confidently and proudly, and Ms. Fudge said she was pleased as punch that they all sounded so brilliant. But Isla noticed that there was one person in the class who wasn't speaking as loudly as normal. Ezzy, a boy that sat at her table in class, had spoken very quietly, so quietly that it was almost a whisper. Isla leaned forward on her bench and caught Ezzy's attention. Are you all right, Ezzy? Isla asked him gently. Ezzy looked at Ayla with big, cheerless eyes. Not really, he mumbled. I'm feeling very nervous. I keep forgetting my words and I'm worried I'll forget them in front of the whole school. Isla smiled encouragingly and replied, you won't forget your lines, Ezzy. Just say them as confidently as you have in all our lessons. You've always got them right so far. Isla thought Ezzy could use a dose of confidence, like what Isla got from Bravo, her Bravery Dragon. She placed her hand on the beanie toy beneath her jumper and paused. Maybe Ezzy needed a Bravery Dragon more than she did today. Isla slipped the toy out from underneath her jumper and passed it to Ezzy. Use my Bravery Dragon for the assembly, ayla suggested thoughtfully. He's called Bravo and I use him whenever I feel nervous or scared. All you have to do is hold him close. When you feel worried, close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine you are as brave as a dragon.

[C]

What a beautiful story and act of kindness. We've all felt fear like that before. And sometimes just hearing a few encouraging words from a friend can make all the difference. But being the one who offers support can feel just as rewarding. Isn't it amazing how emotions connect us? Our feelings don't just shape our own experience experiences, they help us understand and support the people around us too. A thought can spark a feeling and a feeling can lead to a thought. They dance together, helping us understand who we are and what matters to us. When we pay attention, we can start to learn about ourselves, what makes us happy, what worries us and what we care about most. By noticing how our thoughts can shape our feelings, we can grow also becoming more understanding of other people's emotions. Next up, we have a clip from what's Poppin Penny? A show about Penny, a little girl growing up in a warm multi generational home, along with her magical teddy bear, Ta and her wise talking cat Penelopaw. Have you ever felt scared and found comfort in talking to someone? I bet a name popped into your head just now. Consider letting them know when you see them next how much their understanding helps. In this clip, Penny confides in Ta after watching a spooky movie that left her feeling anxious. Let's listen to what's Poppin Penny and hear Penny's story of courage and comfort.

[E]

What's Poppin Penny Ta? I didn't want to tell deann that her movie made me feel scared.

[F]

Why not Pennygirl?

[E]

Because I don't want her to think that I'm not fun. She said that I'm too scared. Sensitive.

[F]

Tell me, are you still feeling anxious?

[E]

Honestly, I can still feel the butterflies wiggling around in my tummy.

[C]

Hmm.

[F]

Let's see if we can get those butterflies out of your tummy. Okay.

[E]

Okay.

[F]

First look around the room and name three things. You see, they can be anything but try to concentrate on things that make you happy.

[E]

Ok. I see my dinosaur book on the table. Mommy's easel and paints by the window and uta.

[F]

Good. Now name three sounds you hear.

[E]

I can hear the music coming from the courtyard down the block.

[C]

Hmm.

[E]

The ceiling fan is humming and Daddy singing his silly song in the kitchen.

[F]

You're doing great. The last thing I want you to do is a Silly Wiggle dance. I'll do it with you. That's it, Penny girl. Wiggle your Toes. Now wiggle your knees like a fox. Monkey. Chicken. Keep going. Now shake your booty and shake your gut. Now shake your belly and shake your butt. That's it. Get down, Penny girl. Now finally, throw your arms in the air and wave them like a teddy bear. Wiggle your fingers and clap your hands. That's it. Now slow it down. And stop. Now close your eyes and take four deep, cleansing breaths through your nose. And let it out through your mouth like you're blowing out birthday candles. Here we go. And breathe in. And out. And in. And out. And in. And out. And in. And out. How does your tummy feel now?

[E]

Ta? The butterflies are all gone.

[C]

Big exhale. Those calming tricks from Ta were pretty great. I might try them next time I get the butterflies or feel a little scared. Penny showed us something really important. Talking to a trusted friend or adult about our feelings can make a big difference. What do you think? Have you ever felt better after sharing how you feel? Feelings are like smells. Some are sweet. Others are stinky. But none of them are bad or wrong. They just are. They're all trying to tell us something. It's okay to feel however we feel. What matters most is how we choose to react. Fear and bravery are powerful emotions. We can feel them in ourselves, sense them in others. And even when we're not paying full attention, they have a way of making themselves known. Sometimes they can feel overwhelming. We've already heard how sharing emotions with someone can be a big help. Bringing someone in not just to support us, but to experience those feelings alongside us can turn a difficult moment into a special connection. Have you ever gone through something scary with a friend or family member? Facing a challenge together can create a bond that lasts. And it's not just humans who sense emotions. Have you ever shared a special connection with an animal? I know I have. Somehow, animals always seem to find us when we need them most. We'll actually be exploring the idea of how our furry friends can help us in part two, so stay tuned. Keep this idea of fear and bravery in your thoughts over the next few days. Maybe you'll notice a time when you get a little scared. And then you'll also discover your own strength to act. Anyway, take a gentle breath right now and really notice how these feelings sit with you. We've explored a lot about fear and bravery in this first part. Remember, bravery isn't just about big, bold moments. It shows up in everyday choices, like speaking up, trying something new, or facing something that feels hard. We'll be right here, ready to continue exploring this with Part two on Thursday. Before you go, stick around after the credits for a very special question. We hope it sparks a great conversation with someone you love. Thanks so much for listening and being part of this special Kids Listen mashup. Until next time, stay curious, stay kind, and remember Big emotions aren't something to fear, they're something to feel. This episode has been a Kids Listen collaboration created by Tal Kelly, Jenna Clark and Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore. Hosted by me, Eric O', Keefe, this big Emotions Kids Listen mashups about feelings is produced by Tal Kelly, Executive Writer Jenna Clark, Content Director at Sleepiest and Koala Kids, and consultation with eileen Kennedy Moore, Ph.D. an author and clinical psychologist based in Princeton, New Jersey. A special thanks goes out to all of our contributors. We place links to our featured podcast in this episode's Show Notes. Our intro music was created, created and generously provided by the wonderful Dan Sachs of Noodle Loaf. You can find full music credits in the Show Notes if you'd like to share your artwork. Another powerful way to express emotions is through art. Email a photo to kidslistenmashupsmail.com and we'll proudly share it on social media. Educators interested in applying this as an SEL resource in their classroom can find a PDF guide in the Show Notes. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a nice review or share the show with someone you love. Thanks for tuning in to your emotions as well as our mashup. Now for our question. Think back to a time when you had to do something new. Maybe the first time you rode a bike, jumped into the deep end, or spoke in front of a group. What helped you push through those first scary I'm not sure what I'm doing moments? If this question got you thinking, let us know in the Spotify comments or in a review. We'd love to hear how it made you feel. And if you have your own thoughts or questions about this topic, our very own Dr. Friendastic will be joining the conversation in the Spotify comments too. See you soon.