Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages Episode Summary: "Throwback: Monkey Mayhem" Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In this throwback episode of the Stories Podcast titled "Monkey Mayhem," listeners are transported to a vibrant African jungle where mischievous adventures unfold. This episode, adapted from a West African fable by Daniel Hines and brought to life by host Amanda Weldon, delivers an engaging tale filled with humor, lessons, and memorable characters.

Meet Zane: The Prankster Monkey

The story introduces us to Zane, a playful monkey with an insatiable love for pranks. Living in a cozy bush with protective prickers to keep away dangerous animals, Zane believes he is the funniest monkey in the jungle.

Zane (00:10): "You just can't take a joke."

Despite his intentions, Zane's pranks often go overboard, causing frustration among his fellow jungle inhabitants. From gluing tree frogs to hippos to tangling giraffes' necks, Zane's tricks create chaos and annoyance.

The Jokes That Go Too Far

Zane's antics escalate as he targets more significant animals, leaving them exasperated. His pranks are relentless, and his response to criticism remains unchanged.

Giraffe (00:30): "That bit of mayhem has taken a dozen animals the better part of a day to untangle."

Anteater (00:35): "He needs to be taught a lesson."

However, Zane remains unconcerned, dismissing their frustrations with his comedic perspective.

Zane (00:40): "You wouldn't know funny if it flew down and made a nest in your hair."

A New Challenge: Sonora the Leopard

The dynamic shifts when Sonora, an irritable leopard returning empty-handed from a hunt, seeks Zane's help to rid herself of pesky fleas. This request sets the stage for a pivotal turn in the story.

Sonora (01:00): "I need help getting rid of these pests."

Zane eagerly offers his services, showcasing his dexterous paws and confident demeanor.

Zane (01:10): "I've got the cleverest paws in the whole jungle."

As Zane successfully removes the fleas, he seizes the opportunity to play another prank, tying Sonora's tail to a tree.

Zane (02:00): "Hey, don't get testy."

Despite Sonora's attempts to free herself, Zane's knot is too intricate, leaving her frustrated and stuck.

Seeking Help: Enter the Bush Baby

Stuck and unable to untie herself, Sonora encounters a bush baby, who assists in freeing her tail. This act highlights the importance of community and cooperation in the jungle.

Bush Baby (05:00): "Gotta be open to new things, you know."

The bush baby reveals Zane's habit of playing mean pranks, prompting Sonora to consider teaching him a lesson of her own.

Tragedy Strikes: Sonora's Illness

Days later, Sonora falls gravely ill, and the bush baby urges Zane to attend her farewell. Overcome with guilt, Zane realizes the unintended consequences of his pranks.

Bush Baby (10:00): "She's really sick now, and I don't think she's going to make it much longer."

At the ceremony, Zane confronts the sorrow of his actions as he apologizes to Sonora.

Zane (11:40): "I'm sorry, Sonora. It was just a joke. I never meant for this."

However, Sonora, weakened by illness, responds with a bite, leading to laughter from the other animals and Zane's eventual retreat to the safety of the treetops.

Sonora (12:19): "You're not funny, Sanura."

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Lasting Impact

"Monkey Mayhem" concludes with Zane's self-imposed isolation in the trees, symbolizing the lasting impact of his actions. The story underscores the delicate balance between humor and respect, illustrating how intentions can sometimes lead to unintended harm.

Narrator (17:00): "And to this day, all the monkeys in the African jungle still live there. And despite the lesson Zane learned, they still love their pranks."

This timeless fable serves as a gentle reminder for young listeners about the importance of considering others' feelings and the consequences of one's actions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amanda Weldon (00:09): "Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around."

• Zane (00:10): "You just can't take a joke."

• Giraffe (00:30): "That bit of mayhem has taken a dozen animals the better part of a day to untangle."

• Sonora (01:00): "I need help getting rid of these pests."

• Bush Baby (05:00): "Gotta be open to new things, you know."

• Zane (11:40): "I'm sorry, Sonora. It was just a joke. I never meant for this."

• Sonora (12:19): "You're not funny, Sanura."

Final Thoughts

"Monkey Mayhem" is a captivating episode that blends humor with meaningful lessons, making it a perfect bedtime story for children and families. By navigating Zane's journey from a well-meaning prankster to a remorseful character, the episode encourages empathy, responsibility, and the importance of understanding the impact of one's actions.

Listeners are invited to support the Stories Podcast through reviews, merchandise, and engaging with the community on social media platforms. The episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable moral lessons, aligning with the podcast's mission to provide safe, imaginative, and enriching content for all ages.

Credits:

• Story Adaptation: Daniel Hines
• Narration: Amanda Weldon

For more stories and adventures, visit storiespodcast.com and follow Stories Podcast on Instagram.