Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Throwback: The Three Little Pigs
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Producer: Jake Letizia

Introduction

In this delightful throwback episode of Stories Podcast, hosted by Amanda Weldon and produced by Jake Letizia, listeners are transported back to a classic retelling of "The Three Little Pigs." This rendition not only revisits the timeless tale but also infuses it with modern lessons about kindness, resilience, and the importance of heeding wise advice.

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in a serene oak forest where Mom and Pop Pig reside in a sturdy brick house adorned with a tall chimney and a flourishing apple tree. They have three sons: Henry, Howard, and Fred Pig. From a young age, the parents instill crucial life lessons in their children:

• Mom's Advice:

  • "Eat at least one apple from the apple tree every day. They make you strong and always wear clean underwear. You never know." (03:03)

• Pop's Advice:

  • "Brush your teeth every day or they'll fall out of your head. And be nice to everyone you meet and always say please and thank you." (03:44)

The most pivotal guidance they offer is the importance of building a brick house to safeguard against the lurking dangers of the forest, particularly the Big Bad Wolves.

Henry Pig's Adventure

Henry, the eldest piglet, is inspired by his parents' teachings. Equipped with a sack of apples and a toothbrush as a symbol of his parents' advice, he ventures into the forest to build his home.

However, exhaustion sets in, and Henry opts for a straw house, believing it to be a quicker and easier solution. This decision leads to his downfall when a disguised wolf knocks on his door:

• Wolf's Deceptive Offer:
  • "I happened to notice that you just moved in, and I was wondering, might you need a set of encyclopedias in your new home?" (06:21)

Realizing the wolf's true identity, Henry panics as the wolf easily demolishes his flimsy straw abode with a single breath (07:22). Despite his efforts to escape, Henry narrowly returns home, recounting his ordeal to his relieved parents and siblings:

• Parents' Rebuke:
  • "You really should have listened to us when we told you to build your house out of brick." (07:56)

Howard Pig's Encounter

Following Henry's experience, Howard steps forward, determined to make a better choice. Despite the parents' advice, Howard decides to construct his house from sticks, deeming it more practical than bricks.

His perseverance results in a well-appointed stick house, complete with essential rooms. However, Howard's confidence is short-lived when another wolf, this time posing as a vacuum cleaner salesman, arrives:

• Wolf's Suspicious Pitch:
  • "I happened to notice that you just moved in and I was wondering if you might need an industrial strength vacuum cleaner in your new home?" (10:20)

Upon recognizing the wolf's true form, Howard confronts him, leading to a fierce tussle. Although his stick house is initially overturned, Howard manages to fend off the wolf thanks to his strong teeth, symbolizing his adherence to his parents' advice (09:22).

Returning home bruised but safe, Howard shares his story, only to receive a similar reprimand from his parents as Henry did (12:05).

Fred Pig's Fortitude and Friendship

Determined to learn from his brothers' mistakes, Fred, the youngest piglet, commits wholeheartedly to building a brick house. His dedication pays off as his sturdy home withstands the wolf's relentless attempts to breach it (14:13).

Fred's encounter with the wolf differs significantly from his brothers'. After realizing he may have been too harsh, Fred extends an apology to the wolf through a heartfelt note:

• Fred's Apology:
  • "Dear Wolf, I'm sorry if I was rude last night. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings. Unless you were trying to eat me. Sincerely, Fred Pig." (16:33)

This gesture transforms the narrative from confrontation to friendship. The wolf, revealed to be Gary, expresses remorse and a desire for companionship:

• Gary the Wolf's Admission:
  • "I'm sorry I knocked so late. I'm sorry I scared you. I'm just very shy and I wanted to be your friend..." (17:00)

Their newfound friendship bridges the gap between pigs and wolves, leading to harmonious interactions between their families and fostering a community built on understanding and kindness.

Moral Lessons

This retelling of "The Three Little Pigs" emphasizes several key lessons:

1. Heeding Wisdom: The importance of listening to parental advice for building a strong foundation, both metaphorically and literally.
2. Resilience and Hard Work: Fred's perseverance in constructing a brick house serves as a testament to the rewards of diligent effort.
3. Kindness and Understanding: Fred's ability to empathize with Gary paves the way for lasting friendships, highlighting that prejudices can be overcome through compassion.
4. Personal Responsibility: Each pig's choices and their consequences underscore the value of making thoughtful decisions.

The episode concludes with a playful reminder from Amanda Weldon, reinforcing the story's morals:

• "When your parents give you advice and they say you should be nice, you should probably listen because big bad wolves have feelings too. And when they tell you to brush your teeth and eat healthy food so you'll be strong, they're not wrong. And you should listen to that too. And always wear clean underwear cause you never, never know. And always build your house out of bricks." (19:00)

Conclusion

This "Throwback: The Three Little Pigs" episode masterfully combines the charm of a classic fairy tale with contemporary values, making it both entertaining and educational for children and families alike. Through engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful lessons, Amanda Weldon and the Stories Podcast team deliver a heartwarming narrative that resonates across generations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mom Pig:
  "Eat at least one apple from the apple tree every day. They make you strong and always wear clean underwear. You never know."
  (03:03)

• Pop Pig:
  "Brush your teeth every day or they'll fall out of your head. And be nice to everyone you meet and always say please and thank you."
  (03:44)

• Wolf to Henry:
  "I happened to notice that you just moved in, and I was wondering, might you need a set of encyclopedias in your new home?"
  (06:21)

• Amanda Weldon (Closing Remarks):
  "Always build your house out of bricks. Sing it with me. Always build your house out of bricks. One more time. Always build your house out of bricks."
  (19:10)

Supporting Cast

• Host: Amanda Weldon
• Producer: Jake Letizia

Additional Information

To support Stories Podcast, listeners are encouraged to leave a five-star review on iTunes, explore merchandise at storiespodcast.com/shop, commission special videos on Cameo, and follow them on Instagram at @storiespodcast.

Tags: #StoriesPodcast #TheThreeLittlePigs #BedtimeStories #KidsPodcast #FamilyFriendly #ChildrensStories #FairyTales #Kindness #Resilience #Friendship