Podcast Summary: "Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul" – Pod Meets World

Episode Overview

In the "Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul" episode of Pod Meets World, hosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Ryder Strong delve into their personal contributions to the beloved Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Released on June 13, 2025, this episode serves as a nostalgic journey, blending heartfelt storytelling with behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of their featured stories. Listeners are treated to a blend of introspection, humor, and genuine camaraderie as the hosts reminisce about their past experiences and the lasting impact of their contributions to the Chicken Soup franchise.

Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with a brief introduction by Danielle Fishel, setting the stage for a special bonus installment focused on the Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul book. The hosts express excitement about revisiting their stories and sharing the memories associated with their contributions.

Unveiling Personal Stories

Timestamp: [16:54]

Danielle introduces the segment by highlighting that both she and Ryder Strong have written stories for the Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul book. Ryder confirms, “Are we in the same book? We're in the same book, right?” ([16:57]). This revelation sparks a deeper exploration into their individual narratives.

Ryder Strong’s Story: "My Grandfather's Gift"

Ryder shares his poignant story titled "My Grandfather's Gift." This narrative recounts the bond between him and his grandfather, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the passing down of wisdom through generations.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryder: “After 17 years of knowing my grandfather better than most people I know in my life, every now and then he still decides to open the treasure chest that is his mind and surprise me with a gift of wisdom.” ([33:02])
• Ryder: “It was a wonderful moment when I remember reading the rest of the poem he had forgotten.” ([35:58])

The story details how Ryder’s grandfather memorized a poem during his youth, only to forget half of it after a strenuous event. Decades later, technology helped retrieve the missing verses, allowing Ryder and his grandfather to share a fulfilling moment of connection.

Danielle Fishel’s Story: "A Friend"

Danielle presents her story, "A Friend," which revolves around the themes of friendship, intervention, and personal growth. The narrative describes her efforts to help a close friend who was involved in a tumultuous relationship.

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle: “A friend won't allow you to self-destruct. Will take all the time that's needed...swallow her pride to take your advice.” ([43:48])
• Danielle: “I put the power of friendship to the ultimate test.” ([44:18])

Her story illustrates the challenges of supporting a friend through difficult times, highlighting the emotional labor involved in maintaining meaningful relationships.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Stories

Timestamp: [32:04]

Ryder reflects on the process of writing his story for the book. He explains how he initially used a college application essay as a foundation and had to make significant adjustments to make it suitable for a younger audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryder: “I remember David Combs and I like debating and discussing and then settling with what's in there.” ([32:49])
• Ryder: “It's too bad the ending is hysterical...but, you know, I guess in a way it's anti-smoking. It is.” ([38:46])

Danielle adds her perspective on her story, emphasizing the deliberate choice to keep certain details vague to preserve the personal nature of her friend's experience.

Reflections on Friendship and Family

Throughout the episode, both Ryder and Danielle reflect on their relationships with family and friends, drawing parallels between their personal lives and the stories they contributed to the book.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryder: “We become our parents. We just absorb their version of the world.” ([09:30])
• Danielle: “We were very different teens.” ([44:45])

These reflections underscore the complexities of growing up and the enduring influence of familial relationships on personal development.

Closing Thoughts and Emotional Moments

As the episode progresses, the hosts share emotional moments, particularly when reflecting on the stories they wrote and the real-life inspirations behind them. The reading of Ryder’s story, "My Grandfather's Gift," elicits heartfelt reactions from both Danielle and Will, highlighting the depth and sincerity of the narratives.

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle: “So beautiful.” ([35:58])
• Will: “That's great.” ([36:00])

The episode concludes with a sense of fulfillment and appreciation for the opportunity to revisit and share these meaningful stories with their audience.

Conclusion

The "Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul" episode of Pod Meets World offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the personal lives of the hosts, showcasing their ability to convey profound stories that resonate with a wide audience. Through their heartfelt discussions and emotional storytelling, Danielle, Will, and Ryder not only honor their contributions to the Chicken Soup series but also reinforce the enduring power of friendship, family, and shared experiences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ryder Strong: “After 17 years of knowing my grandfather better than most people I know in my life, every now and then he still decides to open the treasure chest that is his mind and surprise me with a gift of wisdom.” ([33:02])

• Danielle Fishel: “A friend won't allow you to self-destruct. Will take all the time that's needed...swallow her pride to take your advice.” ([43:48])

• Ryder Strong: “We become our parents. We just absorb their version of the world.” ([09:30])

• Danielle Fishel: “We were very different teens.” ([44:45])

• Danielle Fishel: “I put the power of friendship to the ultimate test.” ([44:18])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing insights into the hosts' personal stories, their creative processes, and the emotional undertones that make Pod Meets World a cherished podcast among fans. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode offers valuable reflections on the themes of courage, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.