Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Stories Podchats: Happy New Year!
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Hosts: Amanda Weldon, Kelsey Lee, Daniel Hines
Produced by: Starglow Media / Wondery
1. Podcast Updates for 2025
As the new year unfolds, the hosts of Stories Podcast share exciting developments aimed at enhancing the listening experience for their audience.
a. Throwback Episodes
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the podcast is re-releasing beloved episodes from its extensive catalog. Amanda Weldon mentions,
“We have a ton of episodes that we really, really love and are really proud of... we just want to bring them up fresh on the feed to make them easy for you to see because we're proud of them.”
(04:05)
This initiative allows new listeners to discover classic stories and long-time fans to revisit cherished episodes.
b. Expansion of Content Segments
The podcast is introducing new segments to diversify its offerings:
-
Ongoing Classics Segment: Amanda elaborates on their endeavor to bring classic children’s literature to life, citing recent adaptations like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
“We are enjoying reading some of those out loud... it has many characters, all of which have different voices.”
(05:39) -
Increased Episode Frequency: Moving forward, listeners can expect four episodes per week, including:
- Classic Chapters: Serialized readings of classics such as Alice in Wonderland and upcoming titles like Through the Looking Glass.
- Pod Chats: Engaging discussions about the podcast’s development and future directions.
- Sleep Series: Soothing stories aimed at helping children fall asleep.
Daniel Hines adds,
“You'll have the classics, you'll have the novel, you'll have the pod chats, and you'll have the classic short stories... exciting for 2025.”
(07:00)
c. Engaging the Audience
The hosts invite listeners to participate by suggesting classic books for adaptation and series ideas. Kelsey Lee encourages feedback,
“If anybody has opinions... we'd love to hear it.”
(07:00)
Additionally, they emphasize the importance of sharing the podcast with friends to help grow their listener base.
2. Personal Updates: Holidays, Pets, and Resolutions
The hosts open up about their personal lives, sharing heartwarming stories from their Christmas celebrations and introducing their beloved pets.
a. Christmas Celebrations
Amanda Weldon describes a relaxed family tradition:
“We like to loaf around. We watch movies or read books... play with whatever new toys we got.”
(07:55)
Kelsey Lee shares her festive meal experience,
“I got stuffed shells... my sister made a humongous tray of stuffed shells, and that was a really big hit.”
(10:18)
Daniel Hines reminisces about Christmas activities, including a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, highlighting exhibits like Georgia O'Keeffe’s studio and Paul Revere’s silver creations.
“It was really fun... we stayed for four hours, could have stayed three days.”
(11:37)
b. Pet Updates
The hosts introduce their pets, offering insights into their personalities and recent experiences.
-
Amanda’s Pets:
- Fred and Ziggy: Longtime companions who, despite aging, remain affectionate.
“Fred... has some aches and pains, and we started him on a monthly arthritis shot.”
(20:37)
- Fred and Ziggy: Longtime companions who, despite aging, remain affectionate.
-
Kelsey’s Pets:
- Chuck Bass: A black betta fish, named after a character from Gossip Girl.
- Tomato: A Syrian hamster with a penchant for hiding treats.
- Logan: A 13½-year-old dog who has recently started sharing the bed, seeking more interaction.
“Logan... stands by my face and waits for his boost into bed.”
(18:33)
Kelsey also praises Chewy for their exceptional pet food delivery service, sharing,
“They've been so great... it's been a lifesaver for us.”
(19:09)
- Daniel’s Pets:
- Eevee: A dog resembling the Pokémon character, known for her love of cat food and characteristic farts.
- Georgie, Yoda, and Babs: Three cats with distinct personalities, including Babs' mischievous behavior leading to vet visits.
“Babs... loves to shred and eat paper of any kind.”
(25:37)
Daniel humorously reflects on his transition from being allergic to cats to becoming an avid cat enthusiast.
“I never thought I was a cat guy... but somewhere in my 20s, the allergy tapered off.”
(27:35)
c. New Year Resolutions
The hosts discuss their goals for 2025, focusing on personal growth and productivity.
-
Daniel’s Resolution:
Committing to a disciplined writing schedule,“I need to write more... get a slot where I'm doing three hours every day.”
(28:36) -
Amanda’s Resolution:
Refining her reading goals to balance quantity with quality,“I redesigned my reading goal... focus on both fun and nonfiction books.”
(35:17) -
Kelsey’s Resolution:
Focusing on consistent reading habits using the Kindle app and exploring audiobooks.“I hope to continue to read more consistently... Maybe I'll dive into audiobooks.”
(29:33)
Amanda highlights the benefits of audiobooks as a companion during household chores:
“It becomes the soundtrack for creating a livable home.”
(32:13)
3. Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their appreciation for their audience and encourage continued support.
Daniel Hines emphasizes the new schedule and content offerings:
“Four episodes a week instead of just one or maybe two... exciting for the year.”
(35:44)
Amanda Weldon extends her gratitude,
“Thank you. Happy New Year.”
(36:32)
Kelsey Lee adds the final heartfelt wishes,
“Happy New Year.”
(36:34)
Both Amanda and Kelsey echo the sentiments, celebrating the start of a promising year filled with new stories, personal growth, and a strengthened community of listeners.
Notable Quotes
-
Amanda Weldon:
“We have a ton of episodes that we really, really love and are really proud of... we just want to bring them up fresh on the feed.”
(04:05) -
Daniel Hines:
“You should just know. It's like, writing is... it's a job. It's a skill you get to practice.”
(28:56) -
Kelsey Lee:
“I hope to continue to read more consistently... Maybe I'll dive into audiobooks.”
(29:33)
Conclusion
The Stories Podcast team is gearing up for a vibrant 2025, enriched with classic literature, engaging discussions, and an expanded content schedule. Their personal anecdotes and heartfelt resolutions resonate with listeners, fostering a sense of community and shared growth. As they continue to deliver enchanting stories for children of all ages, the hosts remain committed to inspiring imagination and fostering a love for reading within families.