Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Throwback: The Gingerbread Man
Host: Amanda Weldon
Release Date: July 31, 2025

Overview

In the Throwback episode of Stories Podcast, host Amanda Weldon revisits a beloved classic from the show's archives: The Gingerbread Man. This retelling offers a fresh take on the traditional tale, incorporating humor, modern elements, and engaging storytelling that appeals to children and parents alike. Designed to spark imagination and provide wholesome entertainment, this episode is a perfect choice for bedtime or family listening.

Story Summary

Introduction to the Characters

The story begins with an elderly couple living happily in the city after retirement. The woman's passion is baking, while the man delights in tasting all the delicious creations she makes. Their harmonious relationship sets the stage for the magical events that follow.

Baking the Gingerbread Man

As the holiday season approaches, the old woman decides to bake a special gingerbread cookie for her husband. With a touch of whimsy, she shapes the dough into a little man, adorning him with gumdrop buttons, a frosting suit, chocolate chip eyes, and a candy cane smile. Placing him in the oven, she excitedly announces, "Pop Pop, I've got a gingerbread cookie baking for you" ([00:35] Amanda Weldon).

The Gingerbread Man Comes to Life

To her surprise, the gingerbread man springs from the oven and declares his intent to escape:
"Run. Run as fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the gingerbread man. La la la la la la la." ([02:15] Gingerbread Man)

He dashes past the old man, who squints to ensure he's really seeing the animated cookie.

Chase Through the City

The chase intensifies as the gingerbread man sprints into the bustling city streets, causing traffic chaos. A traffic cop spots him and attempts to pursue:
"Stop right there. I want to eat you." ([05:42] Traffic Cop)
But the gingerbread man retorts confidently, "No way. I got away from the old woman, and I'll get away from you, too." ([05:45] Gingerbread Man)

With each new pursuer—a big shaggy dog, a tourist, and a businessperson—the gingerbread man's determination to escape grows, leading to a series of humorous and thrilling escapades:

• The Shaggy Dog Encounter:
  "What?" ([10:30] Shaggy Dog)
  "No way," ([10:35] Gingerbread Man)

• The Tourist's Photo Mishap:
  "You ruined my picture," ([15:50] Tourist)
  "Wait, a cookie!" ([15:55] Tourist)
  "No way," ([15:57] Gingerbread Man)

• The Businessman's Frustration:
  "My TPS reports," ([20:10] Businessman)
  "No way," ([20:15] Gingerbread Man)

The River and the Fox

Exhausted and soggy from running, the gingerbread man reaches a river where a sly fox offers assistance:

"Well, well," ([25:25] Fox)
"I already heard you sing, and I'm not interested in eating you. Would you like a ride across?" ([25:30] Fox)

Desperate to escape, he agrees to ride on the fox's head. However, his luck runs out when the fox cunningly devours him:
"Run. Run as fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the g... And just then the fox threw back her head, sending the gingerbread man into the air." ([30:45] Narration)

A Sweet Reunion

Though the gingerbread man meets his end, the story concludes on a heartwarming note. The old woman invites all the characters who chased him to enjoy her latest baking creation—gingerbread turtles—bringing everyone together in joy and friendship.

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Weldon Introduces the Story:
  "Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around." ([00:01])

• Gingerbread Man's Catchphrase:
  "Run. Run as fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the gingerbread man. La la la la la la la." ([02:15], [04:10], [06:00], etc.)

• Traffic Cop's Challenge:
  "Stop right there. I want to eat you." ([05:42])

• Shaggy Dog's Surprise:
  "What?" ([10:30])

• Tourist's Complaint:
  "You ruined my picture." ([15:50])

• Businessman's Frustration:
  "My TPS reports, I spent all day on those." ([20:10])

• Fox's Deception:
  "I already heard you sing, and I'm not interested in eating you. I happened to see your foot got ruined in the water. Would you like a ride across?" ([25:30])

Insights and Themes

This episode of Stories Podcast not only retells a timeless fairy tale but also weaves in contemporary elements that resonate with today's young listeners. Themes of adventure, cunning, and the consequences of one's actions are explored through the gingerbread man's escapade. Additionally, the story subtly underscores the importance of community and forgiveness, as seen in the final gathering where former chasers enjoy the old woman's new creations together.

The inclusion of diverse characters—a traffic cop, a shaggy dog, a tourist, a businessman, and a fox—adds variety and humor, keeping the narrative lively and engaging. The repetitive catchphrase of the gingerbread man serves as a playful chorus, enhancing the story's rhythm and memorability for children.

Conclusion

Throwback: The Gingerbread Man is a delightful episode that successfully blends classic storytelling with modern twists. Amanda Weldon's engaging narration, coupled with thoughtfully adapted characters and lively interactions, makes this episode a standout addition to the Stories Podcast collection. Perfect for bedtime or family listening sessions, it promises to enchant listeners of all ages with its charming and adventurous tale.

Enjoyed this summary? Explore more stories on Stories Podcast and embark on countless magical adventures with your family!