Buried Treasure: Every Midnight I Turn Into a Wolf/The Case of the Missing Files (S3E20)

Summary

---

Story Pirates Podcast: Buried Treasure – "Every Midnight I Turn Into a Wolf" / "The Case of the Missing Files" (S3E20)

Date: August 28, 2025
Host: Story Pirates

---

Episode Overview

In this special Buried Treasure edition of the Story Pirates Podcast, the crew dives into a fan-favorite episode from Season 3, featuring two wildly creative stories written by kids: "Every Midnight I Turn Into a Wolf" and "The Case of the Missing Files." Packed with memorable characters, catchy original songs (including Tony Award-winner Lena Hall on lead vocals!), and signature Story Pirates humor, this episode also explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and letting your own unique interests shine. The episode is humorously framed by the crew's unexpected detour to "Party Planet" and a slew of cosmic shenanigans.

---

Key Segments & Discussion Points

[00:58–04:15] Encounter with Party Planet

• Space Shenanigans: The Story Pirates crew notices strange, festive phenomena while traveling through space: confetti, strobe lights, and thumping bass. They discover a talking planet who pleads for company at his underpopulated galactic bash.
• Party Planet’s Invitation: The planet, who introduces himself as "Party Planet," tries to entice the crew with snacks and games. The crew’s reluctance leads to being trapped in his gravitational pull until they agree to party.

Memorable Quote:

“Hey guys, it's me. It's the planet. I'm like a whole planet.” – Party Planet (D), [02:04]

---

[04:15–09:14] Story #1: "Every Midnight I Turn Into a Wolf" (by Maren, age 11)

• Musical Storytelling: The story, introduced by 11-year-old author Maren from Washington, is turned into a rock musical number, featuring Lena Hall on lead vocals. It tells of a girl who transforms into a wolf at midnight, grappling with the challenges and freedoms of her secret life—complete with a dramatic sleepover reveal and an empowering decision to embrace her true self.
• Song Structure: The song takes listeners through the main character’s origin, her dilemma at a slumber party, and her ultimate acceptance of her new wolf identity.

Notable Lyrics:

“Every midnight I turn into a wolf... And now I can't forget about it. From that moment, I swore to spend the rest of my life in wolf form.” – Lead vocals, [08:00–08:50]

---

[09:17–13:19] Interview with Story Author Maren

• Inspiration and Mythical Creatures: Lee interviews Maren, who shares her fascination with werewolves and belief in mythical creatures, including a personal story about seeing a tooth fairy at a camping trip.
• Themes of Belief: Maren touches on the importance of holding on to your own experiences, even when others don’t believe you.

Memorable Quotes:

“I was just sitting in my room, and for like a while now I’ve been wanting to write a story, and I’m obsessed with werewolves.” – Maren (E), [09:25]

“If you care about something and other people don’t believe you, that’s fine. Just don’t listen to them.” – Maren (E), [11:46]

“Wait, can we howl together? Cause wolves have to howl in a pack, right?” – Lee (A), [12:57]
(followed by collaborative wolf howling!)

---

[13:20–21:08] Party Planet’s Meltdown and Transformation

• Failed Party Game: The crew reluctantly plays charades, but awkwardness and misunderstandings abound, leading Party Planet to feel rejected and triggering his emotional meltdown.
• Honest Conversations: The crew consoles Party Planet (“Mark”/Proxima Cephus), helping him realize the value in being himself instead of just appealing to others. He discovers his own love for crossword puzzles, leading to a new, authentic kind of party that attracts his true friends—including his moons and ex-girlfriend.
• Lessons Learned: Authenticity is the key to real connections.

Notable Quotes:

“The best way you can make friends is by just being yourself and finding people who love you for who you are.” – B, [18:52]

“I’ve sort of been forcing people to call me Party Planet.” – Party Planet/Mark (D), [19:15]

---

[21:32–28:40] Story #2: "The Case of the Missing Files" (by Will, age 10)

• Detective Parody: The second story, introduced by 10-year-old Will from Arkansas, is a comedic noir-style detective adventure. Jonathan Jones, a grumpy but lovable private eye, gets tangled in a web of missing case files, suspiciously named characters, and poorly executed criminal plots.
• Highlights: The segment is filled with deadpan humor, intentionally awkward conversations, puns, and meta commentary on detective tropes.

Memorable Moments:

“Looks like today is starting out just like any other, with me reminding myself of my name, occupation and where I currently am.” – Jonathan Jones (F), [22:05]

“Here at the Rhymes Place, we love to rhyme. In fact, we do it all of the day, so.” – Rhymes Place/Crimes Place voice, [25:07]
(Jonathan deadpans, “Didn’t seem to rhyme.”)

---

[28:50–29:35] Story Spark and Creative Encouragement

• Story Spark Prompt: Lee encourages listeners to write stories about a character who undergoes a surprising transformation and details how it changes their lives—for better or worse.
• Community Connection: Reminds grown-ups and kids to share their stories and check out activity guides on the Story Pirates Creator Club website.

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:58] – Party Planet appearance begins
• [04:55] – "Every Midnight I Turn Into a Wolf" musical performance
• [09:17] – Interview with Maren
• [13:38] – Crew attempts to appease Party Planet
• [18:19] – Friendship advice and Party Planet's true self
• [21:53] – "The Case of the Missing Files" detective segment
• [28:50] – Story Spark creative prompt

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [02:13] Party Planet: “No, no, just call me Party Planet.”
• [09:25] Maren: “I was just sitting in my room, and for like a while now I’ve been wanting to write a story, and I’m obsessed with werewolves.”
• [11:46] Maren: “If you care about something and other people don’t believe you, that’s fine. Just don’t listen to them.”
• [18:52] B: “The best way you can make friends is by just being yourself and finding people who love you for who you are.”
• [25:07] “Here at the Rhymes Place, we love to rhyme. In fact, we do it all of the day, so.”
  Jonathan: “Didn’t seem to rhyme.”

---

Themes & Tone

• Creative Empowerment: Celebration of kids’ wild imaginations and writing.
• Humor & Parody: Satirical takes on space adventures and detective stories, accessible to all ages.
• Friendship & Authenticity: Encouragement to be true to oneself and seek friends who appreciate one’s real personality.
• Imagination as Community: Features inclusive, supportive conversations where all voices, including children’s, are valued.

---

For New Listeners

This episode is a perfect showcase of the Story Pirates’ unique, kid-centered comedy: original stories transformed into riotous, musical, and heartfelt adventures, plus candid conversations with the young authors themselves.

Whether you love werewolves, puzzles, or playful space parties, this episode will make you laugh—and might even inspire your next story.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here. Welcome back to Buried Treasure, where we throw back to some of our favorite full episodes from the Story Pirates archives. Today we are revisiting the 20th episode of season three, which features one of my favorite songs we've ever done and one of my favorite stories we've ever done, and the story of when the Story Pirates encountered a certain outer space planet that was desperate for us to hang out and have some fun. Now, as you may have heard, we have a secret codename for every episode. And in Buried Treasure, we are revealing those secret codenames for the very first time. And the secret code name for this episode is Party Planet. Coming up right after a few words for the grown ups.

[B]

Huh, that's weird.

[A]

What is it, Nimini?

[B]

Well, all these little speckles keep showing up on the windshield of the ship. I keep thinking it's regular space dust, but I'm pretty sure it's confetti.

[C]

Excuse me, does anyone else hear that thumping bass line that sounds like it's gradually getting louder and louder?

[D]

Hey, is anyone else seeing those colorful strobe lights outside?

[B]

Yeah, I think there's a planet out there.

[A]

And it looks like the. The whole planet is having a party.

[C]

Oh, do you think we could stop by? Oh, you never know which casting directors might be at a party.

[A]

Megan, I don't think a casting director from Earth is going to be at a party on a planet way out on the edge of space.

[C]

You never know.

[B]

I'm sorry, Megan. We're running a really tight schedule. We just need to fly right past this planet.

[C]

Hey. Wow.

[D]

Hi. Look at all of you. Sweet ship. Welcome. Come here. Who said that?

[C]

Whoa. Check it out. The planet is rotating.

[A]

And it's got a face.

[B]

A giant face.

[D]

Hey, guys, it's me. It's the planet. I'm like a whole planet. The planet is talking to us. What do we do?

[C]

Maybe we should talk back. Ahem. Hello, great and mighty planet.

[D]

No, no, just call me Party Planet.

[C]

Party Planet.

[D]

Yeah, I love to party.

[A]

Oh, that explains the name.

[C]

Bill, I'm glad to meet you.

[D]

And I'm really happy you guys came.

[A]

To my, uh, Party Planet. If this is a party, where is everyone?

[D]

Oh, well, it's kind of still space dinner time. So people I'm imagining are still finishing up their meals with their family and friends, but then they usually go to the parties after that. But hey, thanks for being the first ones here. Do you guys want to place your raids?

[C]

Uh, this party is kinda lame.

[A]

Yeah, we should get out of here.

[C]

Mm.

[B]

Thanks, party Planet, but we should really get going.

[D]

Wait, wait, wait. I insist. Are you guys hungry? Cause I got a bunch of jumbo bags of Borgios.

[C]

Oh, actually, you know, we've got a lifetime supply of Borgios on our ship, so.

[D]

Oh, well, I'm sure we can find something to do. Come on, this party's gonna be fun.

[C]

Uh oh.

[B]

We're stuck in this planet's orbit. His gravitational pull is too strong and he won't let us go.

[C]

We can't escape.

[D]

You can't leave until you party with.

[C]

Yeah, I love storytelling. I like my story.

[D]

Don't write for other people.

[E]

Just write for yourself.

[C]

Just go for the imagination. This is weird.

[E]

I've been wanting to write a story and I'm obsessed with werewolves.

[C]

Sheep, get out here. We're trying to finish a story. The Solely pirates.

[A]

Welcome back to the Story Pirates podcast, everyone.

[C]

Where we take stories written by kids.

[A]

And turn them into sketch comedy and songs.

[D]

None of you are allowed to leave. Not until we have fun.

[C]

Or else.

[A]

Okay, calm down, party planet. What do you want to do?

[D]

Uh, I've got a broomstick. Maybe we could all play limbo. Or I could take out my acoustic guitar and we could all sing a popular 90s pop rock hit. Like today, I'm gonna be on them. Gon ding ding.

[A]

As much as I would love to see a whole planet play the guitar, can we please just do a story first?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay listeners, this first story features Tony award winning actress Lena hall on lead vocals. So yeah, get ready to rock. Here's the author to introduce it.

[E]

Hi, my name is Maren and I'm 11 years old and I live in Washington. This is my story. Every midnight I turn into a WOL.

[C]

Started to happen when I was five. I felt a pop popping inside of my mind and so I ran away. Cause I heard a scream. By the crack of dawn I knew it wasn't just a bad dream. I awoke in the and saw in the woods a bunch of paw paw prints. Now this isn't good. And so I kept on running to my grandma's place. I said, grandma, am I cursed? She said, that is not the case. You have undergone a transformation. One that skipped your parents generation. Now I'll tell you something if you promise not to shout. Apparently you turn into a wolf. A wolf? A wolf. I freaked out. Whoa. Every midnight I turned into a wolf. Every midnight I turn into a wolf. And then I just forget about it. Six years later, no reported incidents. Went to a slumber party. Just me and all my friends. Five Normal humans. I'll tell you their names. We got Susie, Lily, Kate, Mark, and finally James. I'm James. Yeah. We played a little board game and we ate a little snack. When it comes to sleepovers, eyes was on track Then we got a little sleepy so we all went to bed. That's when I heard that popping in my head. You have undergone a transformation, generation One that skipped your parents Generation Skip the generation all my friends were staring Then they all began to shout so I found a window and I jumped my wolf self out Dream midnight I turned into a wolf. She turns into a wolf. She turns into a wolf. Every midnight I turn into a wolf. And now I can't forget about it. From that moment, I swore to spend the rest of my life in wolf form. This is who I am and now I'll never have to hide I even took a chance with a nice wolf looking for romance dance Now I'm free A wolf is me I feel so alive Every minute I turn into a She's always been a turn into a Every night she turns into a Every now turn into wo And I never will forget about it I.

[D]

And now Leis speaks with the author.

[A]

So, Maren, you wrote every midnight I turn into a wolf.

[E]

Yes.

[A]

Can you tell me how you came to write that story?

[E]

I was just sitting in my room, and for, like, a while now, I've been wanting to write a story, and I'm obsessed with werewolves.

[A]

When I was a kid, I was really obsessed with werewolves, too.

[F]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

I did not know that.

[A]

Yeah, I was really into werewolves. And I remember this one time I was, like, in my backyard, walking around, like, practicing my werewolf howl.

[E]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

When I came inside, my mom was like, why were you making a chicken sound out there?

[E]

That's funny.

[A]

What's interesting to you about werewolves?

[E]

Well, I kind of just like how they're half human and half wolf, and, like, they're super fast, and they have good eye vision, and they have tails and ears, like, wolf ears, which is amazing.

[A]

One of my favorite parts of your story is the sleepover. Yeah, I can just picture how much everyone was, like, freaking out when she turned into a wolf.

[E]

They all hid behind one another, and then they're, like, in a line, trying to move back to the door.

[A]

Do you think their parents believed them?

[E]

No, probably not until she wasn't seen again.

[A]

Have you ever seen something and tried to tell people about it and they didn't believe you?

[E]

Actually, yes. Because when I was younger, around 7, and I was at a girl scout Camping trip. And my friend had just lost her tooth, and I actually saw her tooth fairy because it was one in the morning and I think I was the only one awake, and I just saw her tooth fairy standing in the corner of my eye.

[A]

No way. Really?

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

What does she look like?

[E]

Hmm. I don't really remember. But I do think she had a rainbow dress.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[E]

And the rainbow was actually fading.

[A]

A fading rainbow dress. Did you freak out?

[E]

Well, not really, because I had always believed in mythical creatures. I knew if I freaked out, I would wake everyone up and she would run away and.

[A]

Did people believe you?

[E]

I don't think they did, because afterwards I kind of saw the looks on their faces.

[A]

And how did it make you feel that you saw this thing but no one believed you?

[E]

Kind of felt like people would think I'm crazy. But at least it's good knowing something that other people don't really know. If you care about something and other people don't believe you, that's fine. Just don't listen to them.

[A]

And what do you have to do inside of yourself to sort of feel strong and confident in what you believe, even when others don't?

[E]

I mostly just think they have yet to see what I have seen in my past.

[A]

Yeah. Like they haven't had that experience yet.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

As someone who believes in mythical creatures, et cetera, is there one kind of creature that you are hoping to see in your lifetime?

[E]

It's either a dragon or a wolf. A werewolf.

[A]

If you had to pick, which would you pick?

[E]

They're equally great.

[A]

Yeah. Do you have your own werewolf howl? Do you think you. Would you mind doing your werewolf howl for me?

[E]

Okay.

[A]

That was really good.

[E]

Can you do yours?

[A]

Yeah, I'll do mine. Wait. Sorry, I haven't practiced in a long time.

[E]

That's actually really good.

[A]

Thank you. You didn't think it sounded like a chicken?

[E]

No, I think your mom misheard.

[A]

I think she misheard as well. Thank you very much.

[E]

You're welcome.

[A]

Wait, can we howl together? Cause wolves have to howl in a pack, right?

[E]

Okay.

[A]

Okay, Here we go. Yes. Maren, this has been so fun to talk to you.

[E]

You too.

[A]

Thanks for letting us perform your story.

[E]

And thank you, Lee, for choosing it.

[A]

Oh, you're so welcome.

[E]

All right. Thank you, Lee.

[A]

Thanks, Maren. Bye.

[C]

Bye.

[A]

Wow, that story is so good.

[D]

Fun times, fun times. Fun times. Come on, everybody.

[A]

Okay, well, I guess we can play one game with you, Party Planet. But then, do you promise to let us go?

[C]

Yes. Woohoo.

[B]

All right.

[D]

Oh, man. So many options. What do you want to play? Oh, I know there's this super fun party game I've been dying to try. It was voted the number one most fun party game by party Game enthusiasts Intergalactic during last year's Intergalactic Party Game Enthusiasts Convention. Y'.

[C]

All.

[B]

Is it charades?

[D]

It is charades. How did you know that?

[B]

I am a proud, lifetime member of Party Game enthusiasts Intergalactic.

[D]

Hey, fellow member, when you got a lot of people play a party game?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Wow. I've never met another member of Party Game enthusiast Intergalactic outside of a convention. I go to all the conventions.

[D]

Because you love games?

[B]

Well, not necessarily, but I do love competing and winning. Well, anyway, you must love party games.

[D]

My. My girlfriend got me into them.

[C]

Oh, you have a girlfriend?

[D]

Yeah, she was a moon, but we drifted apart. Still not sure how that happened. Anyway, charades. I'll go first. Here we go.

[A]

Did we start?

[F]

Is he starting?

[B]

Oh, are we supposed to be guessing now?

[A]

I think he's pantomiming, but since he's a planet, it kind of looks like he's just sitting still.

[D]

Oh, guys, come on. You gotta guess. Okay, fine. I'll give you the category. Category is movies. That's.

[C]

That's it.

[D]

Last hint. No more talking from me. Starting now.

[C]

Okay. Mm. Mm.

[D]

Nope.

[C]

Um. Two words. Yes.

[A]

Megan, how did you do that?

[C]

I don't know. I just guessed.

[A]

Maybe we should all just start guessing.

[C]

Okay. Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

First word sounds like muffin.

[D]

Did you say muffin? No. That's a terrible guess.

[F]

Whoa.

[A]

Sorry. Party planet.

[C]

It's just.

[A]

It's kinda hard to guess what you're acting out because you're a planet and it's hard for you to gesture.

[D]

Fine. Well, if you think it's so easy, why don't you try?

[A]

Okay, I'll go first. Everyone. First, I'll pantomime the category.

[C]

Oh. Music. The category is music. Yes. Got it.

[F]

Yay.

[D]

Nice.

[A]

Okay, here's the next part.

[C]

Oh.

[D]

Five words.

[C]

Ooh.

[D]

Hey, guys. I. I can't see.

[B]

Looks like he's unfurling a long piece of paper. A scroll.

[C]

A receipt. Yes.

[B]

And he's pointing at the bottom of it. Taxes, Sum, Subtotal, total.

[C]

You got it.

[D]

Good work, guys. Really. You're all so small. If you could just maybe get a bit closer.

[A]

Here's the next word.

[C]

Okay. He's putting his hand in front of his face. Hiding. Mask. Cover. Oh, oh, oh. Eclipse. Yes. Oh, yes.

[F]

Oh.

[A]

Fifth word.

[D]

Heart.

[C]

Ooh. Total eclipse. In the heart. Yes. You got it. Wow. Incredible.

[A]

Charading me Also, you guys were pretty good at guessing.

[F]

Thank you very much.

[C]

Woo hoo. Come on, no fair.

[D]

I couldn't even see. I totally would have gotten that if you just played the game right. You're ruining the whole party. Whoa, Party Planet.

[A]

We didn't mean to offend you. I thought we were all just having flun.

[C]

Whoops.

[F]

I meant to say fun, not flun.

[C]

Flun. Hey Pete, that's pretty funny.

[D]

Everyone stop laughing. We're not supposed to develop inside jokes and laugh about them until 9:30. Oh, this whole night is ruined. That's it. This party is cancelled.

[A]

Where is all that soft rain coming from?

[C]

Lee, I don't think that's raining. I think those are tears. I think Party Planet is crying.

[B]

Oh no. No. Party Planet, we're sorry.

[D]

Yeah, why don't you try doing a charade again?

[A]

Yeah.

[F]

Yeah, come on. No, it's okay. It doesn't matter anymore. You can all just fly home now. This party is officially over.

[E]

We'll be right back.

[F]

This party is officially over.

[C]

Hey, Party Planet. I don't mean to overstep my bounds here, but it kind of feels maybe you're crying because of some deeper issues that you're experiencing and not because of the game.

[D]

It's just that, well, I throw these parties every night and nobody ever wants to hang out with me. I try really hard to make friends, but no matter how hard I try, no matter how cool of a party I throw, nothing works. I just don't get it. I mean, how did you guys get to be such good friends?

[A]

Well, nothing really forced us to become friends. It just sort of happened.

[C]

We might have some similar interests, but we also all like doing different things too. And those differences are things that we appreciate in one another.

[F]

That's right.

[A]

Megan, for example, I really like eating snacks.

[D]

Hmm, that doesn't really feel like a hobby you can use to define yourself.

[C]

Don't interrupt. Look, just because you have an idea in your head about what other people might like about you, like your ability to throw a cool party, it doesn't mean that people would actually enjoy those things.

[B]

Yeah, the best way you can make friends is by just being yourself and finding people who love you for who you are.

[D]

Wow, I guess I never thought of it like that.

[A]

Party Planet. Do you even like charades?

[D]

Not at all. I'm actually more of a crossword puzzle kind of guy.

[C]

Wait, is Party Planet even your name?

[D]

No, it's Proxima Cephis, but my mom calls me Mark. I've sort of been forcing people to Call me Party Planet.

[B]

Well, Proxima Cephus, please call me Mark. Mark, if you threw your own party full of stuff that you like, what would it look like?

[D]

Well, first off, no more of that loud techno music. Something more like this. Ah, that's more like it. We can definitely get rid of all this gross fruit punch and replace it with some lightly flavored seltzer. Perfect. And now for the P day resistance. Out with the charades and in with the crossword puzzles.

[C]

Ooh.

[D]

Now let's party.

[F]

All right.

[A]

Crosswords start with 13 death boxes. There's a lot of boxes. Are you collecting boxes?

[C]

Whoa. Mark, are you doing crossword puzzles?

[D]

Della, is that you?

[C]

Yeah, it's me, Della. One of your moons?

[D]

What? I thought you stopped orbiting me years ago.

[C]

Well, if I'm being honest, I just never really wanted to party. So I've been hanging out on the other side where you can't see me. You know the sign without your face?

[D]

Wow. I can't believe you went behind my back. Literally.

[C]

Do you think I could join in.

[B]

And do some crossword puzzles with you?

[D]

Absolutely.

[C]

Hey, everyone, come check it out. Mark's got crossword puzzles. Oh, cool. I don't know. Whoa.

[D]

Nella, Bella, Cinderella, all of my moons. You were all back there hiding from me the whole time.

[F]

And is that Stella?

[C]

Hi, Mark.

[D]

Stella. Guys, this is my ex girlfriend, Stella.

[C]

Hi, Mark. We've got a lot of catching up to do, but I'm so proud of you.

[D]

I'm so happy to see you again.

[B]

Whoa, look at the time. We've really got to get going.

[A]

Mark, we've had so much fun doing crossword puzzles with you. But do you think it'd be okay if we went on our way now?

[D]

You're free to go. Thanks for helping me make new friends. It sure has been fun.

[C]

It's the inside too, for that.

[A]

And then Duncan was like, donnie gets called the callbacks. And then I was like, yeah, I remember.

[F]

Hey, before we go, can we do another story?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay, listeners, this next story is done in the style of a hard boil detective story. That means that the main character is grumpy, talks to himself, sits in his detective office all day and solves crimes. It's actually a lot of fun. Here's the author to introduce it.

[E]

Hi, my name is will and I'm 10 years old and I'm from Arkansas. And this is my story, the case of the Missing Files.

[F]

Ah, just another day for me. Jonathan Jones, a private eye, sitting in my personal office. Looks like today is starting out just like any other, with me reminding myself of my name, occupation and where I currently am. Time to chillax and make some coffee so I don't feel so darn drowsy. Here I go. Yikes. There is old coffee in here, Jonathan. You gotta be better about these things. This is how you get mold. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm so tired I can barely see. Come on in.

[G]

Hello, Detective. Oh, dear. Looks like you spilled coffee on me.

[F]

You seem totally relaxed about that. Why?

[G]

That's my business, not yours. Jonathan Jones, I presume.

[F]

That's me. I would tell you who you are, but I don't know if we've met. Also, I'm going to be honest, I'm so tired, I don't have any idea what you look like.

[G]

Classic Jonathan. No, we haven't met.

[F]

If we haven't met, then why would you say classic?

[G]

I believe you can help me, Mr. Jones.

[F]

You're right. Let's get that coffee stain cleaned up.

[G]

No, that's not.

[F]

I have moist towel lights up here. And I think we gasped.

[G]

I have a lady.

[C]

I'll do laundry later.

[G]

It's fine.

[F]

Well, it doesn't sound fine, but I'll take your word for it, Ms. Harper.

[G]

Ms. Harper Mc Harperson.

[F]

I'm gonna be honest, that's a strange name.

[G]

No, it's not.

[F]

Oh, my mistake. Now I'm embarrassed.

[G]

In fact, there's nothing to be suspicious about. And I'm a totally normal person who's not against you.

[F]

Good to know. Sometimes people don't tell me one way or the other, and I have to figure that out myself. Now, back to that stain.

[G]

No, I mean the coffee you spilled on me is not the reason I'm here.

[F]

Interesting. Go on.

[G]

I'm here because diamonds, rubies, emeralds and more are being stolen from all over the world. I came here thinking you could help me, and then you spilled coffee all over me.

[F]

Oh, so you are concerned about the coffee?

[G]

No, I'm concerned about the priceless gems being stolen.

[F]

I see. Tell me more.

[G]

Well, I don't know anything else, but I can give you a number to call.

[F]

Your number?

[G]

No.

[F]

Good, because I was going to say, I don't know if that's necessary.

[G]

It's the number of a person who's going to give you more information on the case.

[F]

That checks out.

[G]

I have to go. Goodbye, Jonathan.

[F]

Goodbye. Harper McCarr. Person?

[G]

Yes, that is my real name.

[F]

Well, Jonathan, you've started your day off with a totally normal human interaction. Nice going. Also, you got a new case. So first Things first. I'll open my cabinet and start a brand new file for this one.

[C]

What?

[F]

All my case files, gone. Oh, no. She stole my files. That means every case I've ever solved. All of my accomplishments, gone. Curse my morning drowsiness. Quick, the number she gave me. Time to just plug it into my rotary phone. Let's see here. 555-555. What's this last number? Five. Hmm. Good thing she wrote it down. Ah, it's ringing.

[C]

Crimes Place. How may I help you?

[F]

Crimes Place, Huh? My name is Jonathan Jones. I'm a private eye and I'm very upfront with people.

[C]

Oh, did I say Crimes Place? I meant Rhymes Place.

[F]

What's a Rhymes Place?

[C]

Here at the Rhymes Place, we love to rhyme. In fact, we do it all of the day, so.

[F]

Hmm, didn't seem to rhyme.

[C]

Uh, yes, it did.

[F]

Oh, I'm sorry. Now I'm embarrassed.

[C]

We rhyme so well. It's what we do. Just like dogs go bark or cows go, I'm a cow.

[F]

Okay, that definitely didn't rhyme. This is the Crimes Place. What's your address?

[C]

649 Sherrill River Road. Um, I mean, don't be distracted if our rhymes are minimal. This place is actually full of criminals. Hey, I did it.

[F]

Oh, no.

[C]

Gotta go.

[F]

Now to get to that address, which I can find using my handy road atlas, which. It's like a book full of local maps. Ask your parents. Here I am at the address, but it looks just like an old shed. Better go inside alone. Hmm. Nothing in here but a clock with seven hands. Another dead end. Well, I'd better head back. But first I've gotta fix the. This clock. And by fix this clock, I mean break off the extra hands. Okay, I'm breaking off. One, two, three. And now to break off this final one, I'm falling through a trap door. Okay, Jonathan, you just landed in a hallway, and there are two doors. One of them should lead to the criminals, but what does the other door lead to? Hi, Jonathan Jones. Um, hi. You're just a man in a suit standing in a featureless room. Have we met? Oh, classic Jonathan. No, we haven't met. Okay, this has been happening to me a lot recently. But if we haven't met, then why would you say. Obviously you don't have to ask who I am because you already know. I do. I'm a superhero. Of course. Just kidding.

[C]

I'm Bob Duellens.

[F]

Uh, hi, Bob Dwellings. Well, now we've met. Okay, well, good to meet you, Bob. You too, Jonathan. Bye. What a Nice fellow. Well, time for door number two. Harper, Jonathan, and the person from the phone who tried to convince me this was the rhyme place.

[C]

How'd you know it was me?

[F]

You two give me back my files.

[G]

You'll have to catch us first. Come on, henchman.

[F]

They're going up that ladder and they're getting into that car.

[G]

Good luck catching us now that I'm in my brand new 1931 Ford Tudor, the most well built automobile to date. See you later, Mr. Jones. Oh, come on, don't do this to me. This car was the worst $500 I ever spent.

[F]

Hello.

[C]

Ah, you caught off to us.

[F]

Yeah, I just walked over from the shed.

[G]

Fine. Here are your precious files.

[F]

Thank you. Now listen, Harper, bad guy. I've gathered enough evidence and I'm 50% sure you're both criminals.

[C]

Oh, we are.

[G]

Come on.

[C]

What?

[F]

Now that I've solved this case, I've got a question for you. Why did you steal my files and then give me your real phone number?

[G]

No, we didn't say we were good criminals.

[F]

That's true.

[G]

I stole your files so we could study them and get better at what we do. But clearly we still have a lot to learn.

[F]

I get it. Being a private eye isn't so easy either. I feel like every day I end up getting distracted by one thing or another. Sometimes I get distracted by just talking to myself. Even if I began by talking to someone else, I'll turn away dramatically like this. And when I finally look back, sometimes they'll be, hey, they're getting away with my files.

[C]

See you later, Jonathan.

[B]

Oh, shoot.

[F]

Looks like another case solved by me. Jonathan Jones, Private Eye the end.

[A]

That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening and a big thanks to today's authors, Maren and Will. Before we go, here's today's Story Spark. Kids, write us a story about a character that goes through a surprising transformation. Tell us who your character is, what kind of transformation they go through, and what they're like afterwards. How did making the transformation change their life for better or worse? Today's Story Spark pairs nicely with today's activity guide, which grown ups can [e-mail] and as always, grown ups can submit [e-mail] See you next week.

[D]

Bye.

[A]

The Story Pirates podcast is a production of Gimlet Media executive producers Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salka. This episode was produced by Lee Overtree, Sam Baer, Peter McNerney, Andrew Miller and Jonathan Roberts. Recording sound design and mixing by Sam Baer at the Relic Room in New York City. Our theme song was written by Bobby Lord and produced by Brendan o'. Grady. Our staff writer is Mike Cabellon, and contributing writers are Will Jacobs, Peter McNerney, Megan O' Neill and Lee Overtree. Special guests George Basil and Lena Hall. Today's episode features performances by Andrew Barbado, Hannah Corrigan, Langston Darby, Chris Ferry, Caroline Lux, Vanessa Magula, Peter McNerney, Jack Mitchell, Emily Olcott, Megan O', Neill, Leo Do Retrie, Caroline Reedy, Blaze Vaca and Nimini Ware. Every Midnight I Turn into a Wolf was written by Minsui Karami and Greg Smith and produced by Brendan o', Grady, with vocal arrangements and direction by Jack Mitchell. And now to do my real wolf howl. Hope you like shaking in your boots. Cause this wolf howl is gonna make you more spooked than you've ever been spooked previously. Are you ready to be spooked? Oh, you are? Okay, well, here you go. And there it is. Spooked enough for ya. Hope you weren't planning on sleeping tonight. Cause ya been spook.

[E]

Spooked.

[A]

Extremely realistic.