Clem and Gemp’s Camp/Super Banana Man

Summary

Story Pirates Podcast – Episode Summary

Podcast: Story Pirates
Episode: Clem and Gemp’s Camp / Super Banana Man
Date: November 20, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This episode of the Story Pirates Podcast blends kid-powered creativity with sketch comedy, music, and improv as the crew brings to life stories written by young authors. The two main stories adapted in this episode are "Clem and Gemp’s Camp" by Parker (age 7) and "Super Banana Man" by Leah (age 15), packed with outrageous adventures and heartfelt lessons. The show is infused with the bright, zany, and encouraging tone characteristic of Story Pirates, with lively banter, games, and behind-the-scenes author interviews.

---

Main Segments & Discussions

1. Road Trip Antics and Facing Fears

[02:19–05:26]

• The crew kicks off with a road trip game of "I Spy," with jokes and playful bickering.
• Rachel reveals her phobia of moths, leading to a running joke throughout the episode.
• The group discovers a "spooky themed amusement park" called "Night Moth Park of Terror," which plays into Rachel and Nimini's (revealed) greatest fears—moths and the dark, respectively.
• Notable banter sets up the episode’s comic and supportive vibe.

Quote:

"There's nothing scarier to me. Dusty zombie butterflies, if you ask me." — Rachel ([03:07])

---

2. Story #1: Clem and Gemp’s Camp

Story by Parker, Age 7, Arizona
[05:31–13:04]

Key Points

• Clem and Gemp host a mock vlog called "Clem and Gemp's Camp," reviewing camping essentials.
• The segment parodies YouTube culture—"Be sure to like and smash that subscribe button."
• Outlandish camping experiences escalate: a lion appears (possibly a wrath from an ancient camping god), a time machine transports them to the age of dinosaurs, and a pterodactyl ride ensues.
• The true culprit? Gemp failed to bring enough s’mores for the Temple of the Camping Gods, resulting in a series of supernatural "punishments."
• The curse can only be lifted by—doing math!

Notable Moments

• Mock ad for "Snacks" lampoons stealth advertising in kids’ programming.
• The Temple of the Camping Gods (personified building) demands an offering:

  "There is but one way to get back on my good side." — Temple ([12:09])

• Math saves the day!

  "One plus three equals four." — Eric ([12:21])

---

3. Night Moth Park of Terror: Mini Golf & Haunted House

[13:04–22:38]

Key Points

• At the theme park, Rachel and Nimini opt for "mini golf" over haunted house due to their respective fears.
• Comedic events on the mini-golf course become increasingly absurd—talking animatronic sea dogs, impossible trick shots, and finally a trapdoor dropping them into darkness.
• The duo confront their fears (the dark for Nimini, giant moths for Rachel), supporting each other and showing bravery.

Notable Quotes

• "My boss was a terrifying old, salty sea dog. No, he was a literal dog." — Rachel ([14:30])
• "We'll just have to be brave for each other." — Rachel ([21:37])
• "For us, I'd face down an army of moths." — Nimini ([21:47])

---

4. Story #2: Super Banana Man

Story by Leah, Age 15, Illinois
[23:39–31:02]

Key Points

• Narrated with a lively mix of scientist, talking dog, and banana characters.
• Calvin the banana aspires to be a superhero, not just banana toast.
• With the help of Rocky the basset hound and a misused "Gro Ray," Calvin becomes giant-sized and inadvertently wreaks comic chaos on town.
• A heartfelt science lesson, slapstick, and a superhero power-down round out the adventure. Calvin’s true 'super-ness' is ultimately being chosen for banana toast.

Notable Quotes

• "Who would even notice someone our size?" — Rachel/bananas ([25:23])
• "I'm Super Banana, here to help you and fight crime." — Nimini/Calvin ([27:55])
• "Now he's just a little normal banana again." — Gimp ([30:19])

---

5. Interview: Leah, the Author of Super Banana Man

[31:11–34:14]

Key Insights

• Leah credits her brother's encouragement for submitting her story.
• Discusses her process: character-driven beginnings, followed by plot development.
• Advice for young writers:

  "Try to see how that character might have done something maybe you have done." — Leah ([33:41])

---

6. Story Love: Bonus Mini-Stories by Kids

[34:37–44:05]

Stories Featured

1. The Banana Who Walked to the Sidewalk (Josh, age 6, Texas)

   • A banana meets a monster/elephant, flees, and ultimately reveals itself as a monster with eight arms; twist ending, "the monster is a banana, the banana is a monster."
   • Discussion on the surprise and creativity of the young author.

2. The Day That Dorothy Fell Off a Cliff (Lily, age 10, Massachusetts)

   • Dorothy’s hiking adventure takes a slapstick turn with a mischievous bird.
   • The hosts highlight Lily’s humorous repetition and strong narrative voice.

3. The Toxic Plate (Martin, age 8, New York)

   • A restaurant at the center of the world with teleporter access serves food secretly made from toxic waste.
   • Turns out to be a stress dream about being a new sous chef—hosts discuss the symbolism and wild imagination.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bravery and Friendship:

  "I can't handle a giant moth, but I can be brave for the both of us about the dark." — Rachel ([21:39])

• Meta-Jokes on Podcasting and YouTube:

  "Smash that subscribe button... Don't forget to make a proper offering at the temple of the camping gods." — Eric/Gemp ([05:49])

• On Storytelling Advice:

  "First think about what you've done in your life... then try to come up with a character who might have trouble with some of those things." — Leah ([33:41])

---

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |--------------------------------------------|------------| | Games & Banter | 02:19–05:26| | Clem and Gemp’s Camp | 05:31–13:04| | Moth Park (Mini Golf & Haunted House) | 13:04–22:38| | Super Banana Man | 23:39–31:02| | Author Interview – Leah | 31:11–34:14| | Story Love: Kids’ Bonus Stories | 34:37–44:05|

---

Episode Tone & Style

Upbeat, goofy, and supportive, with the improvisational energy the Story Pirates are known for. Jokes and music blend seamlessly with kid-provided storylines and empowering messages about overcoming fears, creative collaboration, and the fun of making things up.

---

For New Listeners

This episode is a perfect showcase of the Story Pirates’ magic formula: the blend of sketch comedy, musical numbers, playful banter, and sincere celebration of kids’ creativity. Every segment encourages kids to imagine, create, and share, making it just as engaging for parents and educators as for children themselves.

Transcript

[Leah]

Lemonade.

[Lee]

Hey, grown ups. Lee here. Welcome back to episode three of season eight. Before we start, I'd like to take just a minute here before the episode starts to ask for your help with finishing the season. We want to be honest with our listeners that it is a really challenging time right now for educational media providers like the Story Pirates. Unless we're able to raise more funds, this season could unfortunately be a short one. We've already received so many responses from you about this. Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated and reached out. It means so much to us. And if you haven't had a chance to help yet, there's still time. We're offering, for the first time, personalized videos from us to you. That's right. For your donation, we'll send you, your kids, whoever in your life you think will appreciate it. Probably your kids, a personalized video saying, hello, happy birthday, happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, whatever you want. You can choose a video from me or Peter or Megan or Nimini or Eric or even Rolo and Smitty. This is the only time we've ever offered this, and we're not going to be offering it again anytime soon. So this is your chance. Get a video for that special, imaginative kid in your life and help the Story Pirates finish our season. And if you're hearing all this and you happen to have more significant resources to spare, we are looking for a few patrons who may want to have a conversation with us about becoming credited producers on the show. If that sounds like you, drop us a line. And of course, all donations are completely tax deductible. So get your personalized video or get in touch about a larger [e-mail] support that link is also in the show notes for today's episode. Okay, thanks for listening and thanks again for all your support. It means the world to us. Onto the show after a few more words for the grownups.

[Rachel]

Okay. I spy with my little eye something blue.

[Peter]

The sky?

[Eric]

No.

[Peter]

The blue sky. No, the big blue sky.

[Rachel]

Peter, do you know how this game works?

[Lee]

Huh?

[Peter]

What game?

[Eric]

Mm.

[Rachel]

I see.

[Nimini]

I spy with my little eye something blue that's not safe to have up on the dashboard while I'm driving. Immini.

[Rachel]

You got it. It is my shoes.

[Nimini]

Okay, now get your feet down. You're making marks.

[Leah]

Sheesh.

[Rachel]

Someone's a cranky driver.

[Peter]

I think I understand. Now my turn. I spy with my little eye something fluttery, fuzzy, and shaped like a butterfly.

[Nimini]

Rachel, what's wrong?

[Rachel]

Sorry, it sounded like you were describing a moth.

[Peter]

You're afraid of moths?

[Rachel]

There's nothing scarier to me. Dusty zombie butterflies, if you ask me. Is that what you saw, Peter? A moth outside?

[Peter]

No.

[Rachel]

Oh, thank goodness.

[Peter]

I saw it inside.

[Rachel]

Where is it?

[Nimini]

Whoa. Rachel, careful. Your feet are flailing everywhere.

[Lee]

Hey, everybody, who wants some of this giant pitcher of Kiefer mole?

[Nimini]

Watch out for Rachel's feet.

[Gimp]

Huh?

[Nimini]

Kiefer, no.

[Eric]

Oh.

[Peter]

Oh. You know what, Rachel? It wasn't a moth. It was just my fingers.

[Rachel]

Peter, I spy with my little eye someone who is in big trouble.

[Peter]

Oh, no.

[Eric]

What did Lee do?

[Nimini]

I love storypiling.

[Leah]

It just filled me up with joy.

[Eric]

My mom loves the jokes.

[Leah]

Yo, yo, my check.

[Rachel]

It made me very proud about my sightings.

[Leah]

But, like, I'm imagining, like, if I was that person, I definitely think I can be more creative. Now I'm the champion.

[Rachel]

The Story Pirates.

[Lee]

Welcome back to the Story Pirates Podcast.

[Rachel]

Where we take stories written by kids.

[Peter]

And turn them into sketch comedy and songs.

[Nimini]

And sometimes we overreact when we're faced with our greatest fear. Even if it's only a moth.

[Rachel]

Stop saying that word. How would you like it if I kept reminding you of your greatest fear?

[Nimini]

I wouldn't be foolish enough to remind you that my greatest fear is the dark. Oh, shoot.

[Rachel]

The dark. Please. Moths are much scarier than the dark.

[Nimini]

The dark is way scarier.

[Eric]

Stop the ship.

[Nimini]

Eric, what is it?

[Peter]

Look. It's a spooky themed amusement park.

[Lee]

Whoa. Weird. It's called the Night Moth park of Terror.

[Nimini]

Night Moth Terror.

[Peter]

Wow, that is very on the nose.

[Lee]

Should we go?

[Eric]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

I mean, no. Ooh, do we have to?

[Lee]

Sorry, Rachel, but by the Story Pirates charter rule of Unison. Yes. Yeah, we do. But first, should we do a story?

[Eric]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

Well, now we gotta.

[Lee]

Here's the author to introduce it.

[Leah]

I am Parker. I'm seven years old and I live in Arizona. This is my story. Climbing Gemp's Camp.

[Eric]

Howdy. I'm Clem. And I'm Gamp. Welcome to another episode of Clem and Gimp's Camp.

[Lee]

Clem and Gimp's Camp, the show where they go camping.

[Eric]

This episode. I'm so happy to welcome back Gimp from his brief hiatus. Where did you say you went again, Gimp? Oh, just here and there. Hey, y', all, if you're enjoying Clement Gimp's Camp, be sure to give us a like and smash that subscribe button. Oh, and don't forget to make a proper offering at the temple of the camping gods, lest you anger the temple who will in turn, make your whole Trip go awry? What? Nothing. Now, before we get started with today's episode, here's a list of words to know. Why would we need a list of words to know? Well, in case they come up in today's episode. Camp, Camping, Camper, Snacks, Math. Math? Why do we need to know math to camp? Hey, I'm just reading the list.

[Lee]

Lion.

[Eric]

Lion. Quiet Time Machine. Gold and Vengeful Temple. What kind of camping are you planning to do today, Gimp? The regular kind. Okay, well, the first thing y' all are going to need for a camping trip is a shelter. You could use a tent, a cabin, a lean to. Or you could do what we do and use a camper. Woo. Goodness gracious. I can't wait to camp in that there camper. But all this preparing to camp has made me hungry. Well, Clem, I can help. Thanks to the sponsor of today's videos, Snacks. Oh, is this the part where we do the advertisement thinly disguised as content? Yup. Please do not fast forward y'.

[Nimini]

All.

[Eric]

Anyway, Snacks. They're small foods that you can keep with you at all times in case you get hungry. Sometimes I want food, but I don't want breakfast, lunch or dinner. That's when I reach for snacks. Hey Gimp, can you pass me some snacks? Oh, here are some snacks. Snacks. Snacks. Thanks again to Snacks for sponsoring this video.

[Rachel]

Phew.

[Eric]

That infotainment was hard work. I'm hot. Well, lucky for you, Gimp, I came prepared with a fan. Let me turn it on. Now that's a good fan.

[Nimini]

Ah.

[Eric]

A lion. What is a lion doing at a campground? I don't know. Definitely not a punishment from a displeased camping God who resides in an ancient temple. What? Never mind. We'll be safe inside the camper. Let's go. We're safe here in the camper. Hey, I got an idea. Why don't we give our viewers a tour? This right here is our sleeping area. This over here is our kitchenette. This right here is our altar to an all powerful temple of the camping gods. The what? This is our bathroom.

[Nimini]

Okay.

[Eric]

And this over here is our time machine. Oh, come on. There's no such thing as a time machine. Then what is that, Gimp?

[Lee]

Huh?

[Eric]

I guess it is a time machine. Let's go to the dinosaur times. First a line, then a time machine. Gimp, don't you think this camping trip is unusual? No more unusual than approaching the temple of the camping gods with an insufficient offering resulting in the temple putting a curse upon any and all upcoming camping trips.

[Nimini]

What hey, look, I turned on the time machine.

[Eric]

Wow, we made it to the dinosaur times. What was that you were saying about an insufficient offering to. Yeah, there's a dinosaur.

[Gimp]

They are dinosaurs.

[Lee]

They are dinosaurs.

[Gimp]

They're like dogs, but dinosaurs.

[Eric]

I don't know about this, Gimp. The dinosaurs are not friendly. Let's go back. But Clam, I want to ride this here pterodactyl. Gimp, get away from that pterodactyl. It's technically not even a dinosaur. Oh, fine.

[Gimp]

Just.

[Eric]

Hey, look over there. Okay, I'm looking, but I don't see. Hey, get down off that pterodactyl.

[Nimini]

Too late.

[Gimp]

Whoa.

[Eric]

No. The pterodactyl's flying away with Gimp on its back.

[Gimp]

Woohoo.

[Eric]

This video is sponsored by Snacks. Flying dinosaurs, the cold pterosaurs.

[Peter]

It's like. It's like a T, but it starts.

[Nimini]

With a P.

[Eric]

Gimp, you made it back to the ground. What a fun dinosaur ride. And a much needed distraction from the pressing issue of me angering the immortal entity that resides in the Temple of the Camping Gods.

[Nimini]

What?

[Eric]

Let's go back home. Using the time machine, we've made it back to our camper in our own time. Oh, this was too much, Clem. It's almost like it might be time to throw ourselves on the mercy of the omniscient presence contained within the ancient walls of the Temple of the Camping Gods. That's it. Temple of the Camping Gods. This angering the entity within that. There is no such thing, you hear? There is no Temple of the Camping Gods. Oh, you've done it now, Clem. What? What did I do? I'm not sure, but a building rising out of the ground can't be good.

[Lee]

Behold.

[Eric]

Wait. The building can talk? Of course I can talk. I am a temple. A temple. Not this again. What do you mean again?

[Peter]

Oh, yes, Gemp, this again. You have displeased me.

[Eric]

I'm so sorry. Temple. Gimp, what is going on? Well, Clem and viewers at home, I have a little camping confession to make. This here is the Temple of the Camping Gods. All who camp must make proper offerings to the temple, lest their camping trip go awry. Ok, And a while back, I went to make an offering of everyone's favorite camping snack, s'. Mores. But I didn't bring enough. And now the Temple of the Camping Gods is mad at me, who only brings enough for one. It's called a smore, not a smoless. And so I cursed your camping trip with lions and time travel is There anything I can do to lift this curse? There is but one way to get back on my good side.

[Peter]

Mask.

[Eric]

The temple wants math.

[Nimini]

Of course.

[Eric]

The temple of the Canva gods wants math. What is this, your first day?

[Peter]

I'm waiting.

[Eric]

Oh, geez. Oh, help me out, Clem. Quick. One plus three equals four.

[Nimini]

It's four.

[Eric]

Is that good? Correct. You have pleased me with your math. I shall lift the curse I have placed on your camping trip and present you with this gift. A box with gold inside. Well, what do you say? Thank you. I knew you'd like it. Well, this has been another episode of Clem and Gems. Cap. Remember to like and subscribe. Hey, we're supposed to say that. The End Snacks.

[Lee]

Wow. All right, everybody. Here we are at the Night Moth park of Terror.

[Eric]

It looks so spooky.

[Peter]

I love spooky stuff.

[Rachel]

Me too. In fact, I once had the lead role at a haunted house where I played the ghost of Marlena Dietrich. The director called my performance haunting in all the wrong ways. I bet this won't actually be scary. In fact, I'm not scared at all. How about you, Nimini?

[Nimini]

I've never been less scared in my life.

[Lee]

So what should we do first? The scary bumper car? The spooky slide? The Haunted Moth? Mansion of Darkness?

[Nimini]

Darkness Moth the.

[Lee]

Or mini golf.

[Peter]

Definitely the haunted house.

[Lee]

Nimini. Rachel, what about you two?

[Rachel]

Uh, I think I'm actually going to play mini golf. I mean, you all know what a golf head I am.

[Lee]

We do?

[Rachel]

Yes. I've always loved the sport. It's canon.

[Lee]

All right. Well, what about you, Nimini? Mansion of Darkness or mini golf?

[Nimini]

You know, someone's gotta keep this scaredy cat company. I'll do mini golf too.

[Lee]

Suit yourself. Everybody else, let's go.

[Rachel]

Looks like it's just you and me.

[Nimini]

Alright then, let's go. Here's the first tea. Hmm. It's just a hole with a little lighthouse behind it. That's not scary.

[Rachel]

Funny. That lighthouse sort of looks like the one I used to work in when I was an apprentice bulb polisher. It wasn't a great experience. My boss was a terrifying old, salty sea dog.

[Nimini]

Like a ship captain?

[Rachel]

No, he was a literal dog. He would just bark orders all day. Well, he would bark. I don't know if they were orders. Huh?

[Nimini]

Your life is really something.

[Rachel]

I'll putt first. Hey, a home run. That's what it's called, Right?

[Nimini]

Not bad, not bad. My turn.

[Rachel]

Here, let me grab my ball before you go. Got it. Hey, up close, this lighthouse actually looks exactly like the lighthouse that I. Salty sea dog.

[Eric]

Great job.

[Nimini]

You got a spooky hole in one. It's just a little animatronic dog that popped out of the lighthouse window. Nothing to be scared about.

[Rachel]

I wasn't scared. Why don't you go then if you're so brave?

[Nimini]

All right, I will. Watch this. Yes. Okay. Now I'm going to pick up my ball. Watch me not be scared when that dog pops out and see? Not scared at all.

[Eric]

You got a spooky hole in wood.

[Peter]

Great job, Nimity.

[Nimini]

Thanks, dog. I. Wait. Did that dog just say my name?

[Eric]

Goodbye and good luck.

[Nimini]

Uh, it probably knew my name because of, uh.

[Rachel]

What's the matter, Nimini? You're not scared, are you?

[Nimini]

What? No. I'm not scared of technology that I don't immediately understand. That's not a fear of mine.

[Rachel]

Well, good. Then I guess we can go to the next hole. Unless you want to turn back.

[Nimini]

Psst. Yeah, right. I'm having a blast. Let's do hole number two.

[Rachel]

Huh? Strange. This hole is just a six foot straight putt.

[Nimini]

No obstacles at all after that robot dog. There's no way it's that simple.

[Rachel]

They're clearly trying to get into our heads. If we just pot like normal, some monster is going to pop out and try to scare us.

[Nimini]

Yeah, we should do what they least expect. I'm gonna put my ball on the tee and then do nothing. Checkmate. Spooky mini golf.

[Rachel]

Oh, you think that's the most unexpected choice?

[Nimini]

Watch this, Rachel. You're pointed in the opposite direction of the hole.

[Rachel]

Exactly. And now I'm going to drive this ball as hard as I possibly can.

[Eric]

4.

[Nimini]

It bounced off the lighthouse and off that volcano. Now it's caught in that super fast windmill.

[Rachel]

And now it's launched straight into the air.

[Nimini]

It's coming straight down into that human sized cannon.

[Rachel]

And it's pointed right at.

[Eric]

It.

[Nimini]

Hit my ball.

[Rachel]

They're both headed towards the hole.

[Nimini]

And.

[Eric]

Good job.

[Gimp]

You got a double spooky hole at once.

[Rachel]

What is happening? It won't let us not play. Is this park truly haunted?

[Nimini]

Of course not. There's no such thing. Even though the probability of making that shot, by my calculations 27 quintillion to one, it was still possible. Nothing magical about that. Why? Are you scared?

[Eric]

Nope.

[Nimini]

Me either. Next hole then.

[Eric]

Great.

[Rachel]

Hey, this next one doesn't have a hole. It's just an empty green. Good sign.

[Nimini]

There's a button here that says trapdoor button.

[Rachel]

Look, I can see the edges of a hidden door in the middle of the green.

[Nimini]

Ah, good eye, Rachel. We must have to putt and then hit the button right when the ball is over the trapdoor.

[Rachel]

Ha ha. You won't trick us this time, Golf.

[Nimini]

You want to go first?

[Rachel]

Please. After you.

[Nimini]

No, you first.

[Rachel]

No, no, you first.

[Nimini]

I insist.

[Rachel]

And I resist.

[Nimini]

Fine. We'll putt at the same time. Ready? One, two, three. Get ready to push the button.

[Rachel]

Wait, you don't think that trapdoor is actually below us, do you?

[Nimini]

No. Whoa. I'm still not scared.

[Leah]

We'll be right back after a few words for the grownup.

[Lee]

Hey, grownups. Lee here. If your family loves story pirates, then I'm guessing that you are also interested in the kids in your life. Life loving to read and write. Well, have I got something for you. Meet Mrs. Wordsmith, the award winning creators who make vocabulary learning ridiculously fun. I am so obsessed with everything that Mrs. Wordsmith makes. Check it out. First up, WordTag, a video game to boost your child's vocabulary and build reading comprehension. Packed with expertly designed missions and mini games, players Learn up to 1500 new words a year. And it even comes with a money back guarantee. Are you kidding me? Next, you can pop a storyteller's word a day, flip top book on your kitchen table, and flip a new descriptive word every day, complete with synonyms and story starters. Perfect for chatting vocabulary while breakfast is cooking. And if you can, please save me some bacon on game night, you can break out vocabularious with three hilarious card games in one box. Vocab practice becomes a competitive family event. And I promise to go easy on you if you invite me over to play. Best of all, budding story pirates will love how to write a Story. A workbook that gives kids everything they need to craft captivating tales. It includes easy to follow illustrated storygraph planners and guidance on structuring plots. It's the perfect way to help your kids actually write that story that they've been thinking about for a long time. Whether it's books, card games, or apps, Mrs. Wordsmith turns learning into play. So set sail for Mrs. Wordsmith.com StoryPirates and use code pirate for an exclusive discount. That's MrSwordsmith.com StoryPirates unlock the power of words and watch your child's imagination soar. And who knows? It may lead them to becoming the next story pirate.

[Rachel]

Where are we? It's so dark. I can't see.

[Eric]

Oh, no. Oh, no.

[Nimini]

Rachel, it's too dark. I. I scared.

[Rachel]

Nimini. It's okay. You're not alone. Take My hand. I'm not going anywhere.

[Nimini]

Hey, down there. Look, there's a faint glow. Oh, yeah, some light.

[Rachel]

It's moving. And it's in the shape of a giant glowing moth.

[Nimini]

Nope.

[Rachel]

It's flapping its wings. It's slowly moving this way. Too scary.

[Nimini]

It's not real. It's not real. Here, take my hand.

[Rachel]

Oh, Nimini, I'm so sorry I was so mean to you. I was just scared.

[Nimini]

Me too. Oh, it's so dark. What do we do?

[Rachel]

We'll just have to be brave for each other.

[Nimini]

Huh?

[Rachel]

Well, I can't handle a giant moth, but I can be brave for the both of us about the dark.

[Nimini]

And I can't handle the dark. But for us, I'd face down an army of moths.

[Rachel]

Oh, sorry. It's just a terrifying image.

[Nimini]

Sorry.

[Rachel]

Hey, I can see our golf balls right here. They're glowing in the dark.

[Nimini]

And look, I can just make out the hole under the moth.

[Rachel]

Let's putt before the moth gets us. One, two. Hey, are we standing on a catapult?

[Nimini]

Three. We're flying out the dark and through the sky. We're going to bounce off the lighthouse and the volcano.

[Rachel]

Here comes the windmill.

[Nimini]

It's going to launch us into the air.

[Rachel]

Here comes the human cannon. Well, this is snug.

[Nimini]

Is that the sound of.

[Eric]

Yep.

[Peter]

Wow, that haunted house was so scary. When that skeleton popped out, I almost jumped out of my socks.

[Rachel]

My Marlena Dietrich was much scarier. But this wasn't bad.

[Lee]

I wonder where Rachel and Nimini are.

[Peter]

I think this is the last mini golf hole right over here.

[Gimp]

Whoa.

[Peter]

That hole is humongous. And there's a net at the bottom. I bet you could safely catch two fully grown story pirates in that.

[Eric]

Job. You got a smokey hole in one.

[Peter]

Oh, look, it's Nimini and Rachel.

[Rachel]

How was mini golf? Was it fun? Fun?

[Eric]

Yes.

[Rachel]

We had such fun. Right, Nimini?

[Nimini]

Yes, my dear friend Rachel is right. What a blast we had.

[Lee]

Well, should we head back to the ship?

[Nimini]

In a minute. We just need one minute. Okay.

[Rachel]

Should we do another story then?

[Eric]

Yeah.

[Leah]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

And here to introduce it is the author.

[Leah]

Hi, my Name's Leah. I'm 15 years old and I live in Illinois. This is my story. Super Banana Man.

[Gimp]

It's a beautiful morning. The sun is shining, the birds are singing. And even though I am a scientist, I have a feeling something magical is going to happen today.

[Rachel]

Good morning. My husband, scientist. What do you want for breakfast?

[Gimp]

Ah, you know, I don't have time for breakfast. My general manager of the town co op market and twice elected city council wife. I have important science work to attend to.

[Rachel]

What if I told you I'm making banana toast?

[Gimp]

Ah, Banana toast. The finest breakfast delicacy known to mankind. Okay, then. What's that? Rocky? You want some too? That's ridiculous. You're just a basset hound. Banana toast is for super brainy important scientists like me. Anyway. I wonder which banana she's going to pick for the banana toast today.

[Nimini]

Hey, Banana Bob. She's making banana toast today. The highest calling there is for bananas like us. I bet you get called up, Bob. You're at peak ripeness. You'd be perfect on toast.

[Eric]

Aw, thanks, Betty, but I think you're gonna get it.

[Rachel]

You're getting nice and mushy. So much easier to spread on toast.

[Eric]

Ahem.

[Nimini]

Oh, hey, Banana Calvin. I didn't see you there. Are you hoping to get picked too? Ha. No way. I'm way too special for toast.

[Eric]

What could possibly be more special than banana toast?

[Nimini]

I wanna be a superhero.

[Eric]

Gee, Calvin, Bananas can't be superheroes.

[Nimini]

Especially us.

[Rachel]

We're just regular small little bananas.

[Eric]

Who would even notice someone our size?

[Nimini]

Quiet.

[Rachel]

Here she comes. Time to pick the perfect banana for the perfect banana toast. Come on, come on.

[Nimini]

Pick me.

[Rachel]

I'll take this one.

[Nimini]

It's finally happening. I'm toast, baby. I knew you could do it, Betty.

[Eric]

Congrats.

[Rachel]

Here's your banana toast, dear.

[Gimp]

Perfecto.

[Rachel]

By the way, you left your gro ray out on the table. Aren't you worried about someone using it?

[Gimp]

Thank you, dear. But don't worry. Only a super intelligent scientist like me would know how to operate a gro ray. Speaking of which, I've got to get that Gro ray to the science lab asap. I'll eat my banana toast on the way.

[Rachel]

And I've got to go to my job at the market.

[Nimini]

The dog's on the counter.

[Eric]

That's okay. That's just Rocky. He's a good boy. Aren't you, Rocky? Oh, yes, Bob, I am a good boy. Who's a good boy? Me. I just said I'm sorry to scare you, Banana Calvin. I didn't notice you there.

[Nimini]

Well, I'm surprised you didn't see me. Frankly, I'm pretty important. It just so happens I'm gonna be a superhero. I just need to figure out how to get bigger.

[Gimp]

Hmm.

[Eric]

I might have an idea.

[Nimini]

What's that?

[Eric]

That, my friend, is that rude scientist's grow ray. He forgot to take it with him. If I zap you with this thing, you will grow so big you can be a superhero.

[Nimini]

Thanks, Rocky. I guess you are a good boy.

[Eric]

Yes, we have established that I am a good boy. But before I zap you, may I suggest you consider the. Quiet, Rocky.

[Nimini]

No barking. Quick, zap me with the Gro Ray before the scientist comes.

[Eric]

Okay. Here goes.

[Rachel]

Whoa.

[Nimini]

I'm as big as a person. I'm a super banana. Thanks, Rocky.

[Eric]

I hope this is what you wanted, Banana Calvin. Now go be a soup.

[Rachel]

Wow.

[Nimini]

I'm actually still growing. I'm sure it's fine. How big could I actually get? Shut down.

[Rachel]

What a great day to be in town on a totally regular day with nothing unusual happening. Say, what's that sound?

[Eric]

Here I am in town and.

[Rachel]

Whoa.

[Eric]

I've gotten even bigger now.

[Nimini]

Ha.

[Eric]

I'm bigger than the buildings. People are gonna love me.

[Rachel]

Is that a banana? Should we be afraid?

[Eric]

Of course not.

[Nimini]

I'm Super Banana, here to help you and fight crime.

[Eric]

Let me just take a step closer.

[Rachel]

Well, that seems aggressive. It just made a massive pothole in the road.

[Lee]

That's not good. But I guess you know, that's just.

[Eric]

Part of being a superhero.

[Lee]

I gotta keep pushing forward so I.

[Nimini]

Can fight some crime.

[Eric]

Geez, I just tripped, fell and knocked over the bank, the post office and three residential buildings. My bad, everyone.

[Rachel]

Oh, please don't be quiet.

[Peter]

Where's a scientist?

[Gimp]

Here I am back at home again. I cannot believe I left for work and forgot to bring the Gro Ray with me. I don't have time for your silly antics, Rocky. I have to get my Gro Ray. What is it, Rocky? Why are you dragging me over to the television? Wow, Rocky. How did you learn to use the remote?

[Peter]

More sightings of a giant banana are streaming in.

[Lee]

We now go to our reporter on.

[Peter]

The scene, Trip Fields. That's right, Trey. A wild, huge, untamed banana is roaming the streets of town, terrorizing all who live there.

[Gimp]

Rocky, was that one of our bananas?

[Nimini]

Woof, woof.

[Gimp]

Rocky, did you use my Gro Ray on one of the bananas? No, Rocky. I'm the one who should be sorry. I thought I was so much better than everyone else. I didn't even see what a good boy you are. We better get into town and deshrink that banana.

[Peter]

Oh, my goodness.

[Nimini]

Gray. Please.

[Eric]

People, I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm Super Banana.

[Lee]

Please stop screaming.

[Eric]

I'm here to help.

[Gimp]

There he is. That's a big banana. Monster Banana. Stay where you are.

[Lee]

Maybe I can just demonstrate my greatness by.

[Nimini]

By standing on top of the Dome of City Hall.

[Eric]

Then people will finally see how super I am. Oh, no.

[Gimp]

We have to stop him. City hall cannot handle that.

[Eric]

Wait. Here I go. Climbing up City Hall.

[Nimini]

I'm almost to the dome.

[Gimp]

Andel. Rocky, help me steady the gro ray. You can do it, boy. Quick, turn the knob.

[Nimini]

I'm shrinking.

[Gimp]

Gotcha.

[Nimini]

You caught me.

[Gimp]

We did it, Rocky. Now he's just a little normal banana again. All right, Rocky, let's get you and the banana back home. Oh, hello, Emma, my wife. You're home early.

[Rachel]

I couldn't get to the market because the streets were filled with giant potholes for some reason. And now I'm so hungry.

[Gimp]

Well, can I make you something to eat?

[Rachel]

That sounds nice. How about some toast?

[Gimp]

Great idea. And I've got the perfect banana to put on it.

[Rachel]

Hey, Calvin, you did it.

[Nimini]

You got picked.

[Rachel]

I think that's pretty super.

[Nimini]

Yeah. You know what? Thanks, Banana Bob.

[Rachel]

I guess that is pretty super.

[Gimp]

The end.

[Eric]

Woof.

[Rachel]

And now Lee speaks with the author.

[Lee]

So, Leah, you wrote Super Banana Man?

[Leah]

Yeah.

[Lee]

Can you tell me how you came up with the idea for that story?

[Leah]

I don't really know. I was just kinda like, messing around one day and my brother was listening to you guys, and I was, like, making up this random story, and then he was just like, you should send that in.

[Lee]

That's cool. How did it feel to have that kind of validation from your brother?

[Leah]

It was cool.

[Lee]

Do you write a lot? Are you a writer?

[Leah]

Yeah, I do write a lot. I really like fantasy stories. Not good at finishing them, though.

[Lee]

And you wrote this story in dialogue, right?

[Leah]

Yeah.

[Lee]

When you write your fantasy stories, do you write in dialogue as well, or do you write prose, like a book?

[Leah]

I usually don't write in dialogue like that, but I have in the past because, like, me and my friends like to come up with, like, random movie script, and then we'll try to, like, video it all and perform it. And I usually write it and then my friend usually comes up with the ideas for it.

[Lee]

Are there any stories or characters that you've written that have really stuck with you over the years?

[Leah]

Not exactly. I feel like when I'm writing, it's like I'm developing this, like, different person, but, like, I'm imagining, like, if I was that person.

[Lee]

When you write, do you ever outline or create, like, a character map before you start writing, or what's your process?

[Leah]

Sometimes I'll like. I'll start with, like, a name, and I'll write out the name, and then I'll, like, try to think of things that, like, I feel like would go with that name. And I try to, like, slowly develop a character around that. Like, what would they wear? How would they act?

[Lee]

So you are developing the characters separately from the plot of the story?

[Leah]

Yeah, and then I usually think of the plot afterwards, but I like to come up with the characters first.

[Lee]

You said you try to think of them as if you were that person.

[Leah]

Yeah.

[Lee]

Is that hard to do Sometimes. Like, do you ever come up with a character that is so different from you that you have a hard time relating to them?

[Leah]

Yeah, sometimes. But I really just tried to focus on, like, the emotion of the character at the time. And like, if I've ever been like, under that pressure or like that circumstance, like, I try to just picture that feeling again and capture it.

[Lee]

So let me ask you this. If you had to give advice to your brother or someone else about writing a story and maybe they don't know where to start, what kind of advice would you give them?

[Leah]

Well, first think about what you've done in your life, like if there's any, like, exciting big stories, things like that. And then try to come up with a character who might have trouble with some of those things and just sort of work on from there, like, try to see how that character might have done something maybe you have done amazing.

[Lee]

Leah, thank you so much for letting us perform your story.

[Leah]

Thanks for performing it.

[Lee]

And tell your brother thanks for encouraging you to send it in.

[Leah]

I definitely will.

[Lee]

Thanks, Leah.

[Peter]

Bye.

[Lee]

Bye. And when we come back, it's time for Story Love, where Peter and I read even more stories and written by kids. Welcome back to Story Love, where Peter and I read stories written by kids and talk about them and love them.

[Eric]

And love these stories and ask questions.

[Lee]

All right, let's get to our first story. Today's first story comes to us From Josh, a 6 year old in Texas. And Josh's story is called the Banana who Walked to the Sidewalk. One time a banana walked to the sidewalk, it saw a car, so it ran. Then it saw a monster. It looked like an elephant. The monster ran towards the banana at the park. The banana hid behind the hot dog stand. It got a hot dog and threw it at the monster. Then they got to the desert. The banana went to a temple, but it made banana and monster shrink. Banana hid in a mouse hole, but monster found it. And then they got back to the sidewalk. Banana unpeeled his peel and was in the and was the inside of a banana, but with eight arms. Monster gasped and took off his suit and was a banana and then they were friends and ate burgers. The end.

[Peter]

Whoa. Wow. Like, listen, I've never been a banana, but I would imagine removing your peel is. Is a Hail Mary. It's a last desperate move. It's like a bee using its stinger. Dangerous.

[Gimp]

Yeah.

[Lee]

You can do it once.

[Peter]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lee]

The thing that I'm very impressed with this story is that Josh really tricks us. It starts off with a monster and a banana. We think the banana is a banana, the monster's a monster. But it turns out the banana is the monster and the monster is the banana.

[Peter]

Well, okay, I understand that the monster is a banana.

[Lee]

The banana has eight arms. I'm sorry, but if you have eight arms and you're a banana, you're a monster.

[Peter]

Okay, you know what? I stand corrected.

[Lee]

Okay. Thank you. Well, Josh, your story is incredible. We loved it. Thank you so much for sending it in. Peter.

[Peter]

Yes?

[Lee]

Would you take us to our next story, please?

[Peter]

Oh, I would love to, and I'm very excited. This story comes to us from a 10 year old from Massachusetts named Lily. And Lily's story is entitled the Day that Dorothy Fell Off a Cliff. Ah. Wow.

[Eric]

Whoa.

[Peter]

Dangerous. Well, that didn't go well. I can't believe we let old chum fall off a cliff. O chum is British for friend, and friend stands for Dorothy, Said Dorothy's friends. It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It was the bird's fault. It scared me. So blame the bird, said Dorothy. Okay, Said Dorothy's friends earlier that day. Dorothy, are you ready to go? Said Katie. Yes, Katie, I am just making sure I have everything for our hike to. Totally not dangerous cliff, said Dorothy.

[Lee]

Perfect. Perfect name for a cliff.

[Peter]

Perfect. Are you sure you want to go? It sounds boring, said Bob. Yes, I'm sure. Sure, Bob, said Dorothy. Amaya, did you get the picnic stuff ready yet? Yes, Dorothy, said Amaya.

[Lee]

Scottish.

[Peter]

Yeah. Okay.

[Lee]

Wow.

[Peter]

All right, let's go. Said all of the friends. That was all the accents at once. Three hours later. Well, we finally made it to the top, said Dorothy. Now let's. Now let's start.

[Lee]

Let's start this picnic.

[Peter]

I can't get out of the sky. That's right. I can't get. Now let's start this picnic. I'm hungry, Said Bob as the friends started eating. No one saw the bird fly down from the tree. No one saw the bird steal Bob's phone. No one saw the bird searching for. It's peanut butter jelly time. No one saw the bird press play when the music started. It Startled Dorothy so much that she fell off the cliff with the food, too. Amaia and Katie were so shocked and upset about Dorothy. Bob was too, but mainly about the lost food. Luckily, Dorothy fell on a tent, which cushioned her fall. Back on the cliff, Bob danced with the bird.

[Eric]

The end.

[Lee]

What does it say that Bob is the Scot in this story?

[Peter]

Bob is from the Highlands. He lives around cliffs. Cliffs are boring to him. Yeah, yeah. And people fall off cliffs all the time. And they usually fall in. In the marsh, the peaty moss.

[Lee]

Right. Where they're preserved for centuries.

[Peter]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So he's either. He's not worried.

[Lee]

I love in this story how Lily uses the sentence no one saw.

[Eric]

Over.

[Lee]

And over and over in this middle section. Is it no one saw. Yeah. No one saw the bird fly down from the tree. No one saw the bird steal Bob's phone. No one saw the bird searching for its peanut butter. Jelly time. No one saw the bird Press play. That's such great writing right there.

[Peter]

Personality. The writer's sense of humor and personality shines through.

[Lee]

Amazing, amazing story. Lily really, really enjoyed that one. Thank you so much for sending it in.

[Peter]

Incredible.

[Lee]

All right, we have one more to go here. I'll read this one. It's by Martin, an 8 year old in New York, and it's called the Toxic Plate. Once there was a restaurant that was in the middle of the world. The restaurant had teleporters connecting to every home on the planet. So convenient. The restaurant had great food and was super fancy. It had a grand piano and a chandelier. But no one knew that the food was made from toxic waste. For example, the pasta and meatballs were made out of acid, and the slime from the river was a key ingredient in the desserts. The head chef Carmichael was the only person who knew about the secret. He had just been fired from his last restaurant, and he decided that tricking people into eating toxic waste was his plan for revenge. One day, chef Carmichael was out and the sous chef named Steven came in for morning prep and noticed that everything was marked toxic. At first he was confused and he thought to himself, am I seeing things right? And so he decided to make himself a burger. When he ate it first. When he ate it, at first he felt fine, but then his skin started to change colors and glow like a flashlight. But then it faded. Horrified, he took some of the hot dogs and burger meat to the city council and told them about Chef Carmichael's plan to poison restaurant diners. The council asked if he had proof, and he offered Them the food to eat. They tasted the hot dogs and hamburgers, but nothing happened. Just then, Stephen woke up, and it had all been a dream.

[Peter]

The end.

[Lee]

The end.

[Peter]

Wow. You know what this feels like? I think Stephen has just. In real life, outside of the dream, he's just gotten a job as a sous chef in a restaurant. And it's new and it's stressful, it's chaotic. He wants to do a great job, and he's got all these new procedures and expectations flying around in his head, and that is what he's gone to sleep with. And it all comes out as this stress dream.

[Lee]

It's a stress dream.

[Peter]

Yeah.

[Lee]

I do love this idea of a restaurant that has teleporters connecting to every home on the planet. I hope that that is real in Steven's world and not part of the dream, because I would love that.

[Peter]

You know, you sort of think, oh, if. If the restaurant is in the center of the Earth, it's the shortest distance to any point on Earth, but it's actually pretty far away.

[Lee]

Is it in the center? It's in the middle of the world.

[Peter]

Yeah. I took that to be the core of the Earth.

[Lee]

Oh, really? Interesting.

[Peter]

Yeah. Where's the middle?

[Lee]

Yeah, you're right.

[Eric]

Yeah.

[Peter]

And also, just. Just the commuting to work in this story. Stephen, he goes, I need to go tell the city council, which presumably means he's going to the surface, or the center of the Earth has its own city.

[Lee]

I think you're right that there must be a city at the center of the Earth. Because if you're trying to figure out who has jurisdiction over this restaurant, like, where the city health inspectors are coming from, it makes the most sense for them to be in the, like, physical environs of the restaurant itself and not have to teleport there.

[Peter]

I would say, I don't know that I trust these government officials who said, hey, we have poisonous food. And they go, we'll be the judge of that. And then they eat the poisonous food. That doesn't seem wise to me.

[Lee]

It's one of the only ways that historically you have been able to find out if food is poisonous, though. That's why you have food tasters. It is in the kingdoms of old.

[Peter]

There is that core impulse, you know, when you're like. Like, milk smells a little funny. You don't just pour it out.

[Lee]

Oh, this smells terrible. Drink this. Yeah.

[Peter]

At least smell this.

[Lee]

Oh, that was bad. You gotta try it.

[Peter]

And then sometimes I'll be like, is it bad? And I'll be like, oh, I have a little.

[Lee]

Is it bad?

[Peter]

I better have some more.

[Lee]

You guys, this tastes awful.

[Eric]

You gotta try it.

[Peter]

You gotta.

[Lee]

That's it for StoryLove. If you'd like to read these stories for yourself, just head to storypirates.com. bye bye. And guess what? Grown Ups. You can find an even longer version of today's Story Love on YouTube and Grown Ups. StoryLove isn't just the name of a segment on our show. It's also the name of our incredible corporate volunteer program. To find out more about StoryLove, our digital creative writing program, StoryQuest, or our nonprofit armed Story Pirates. Change makers. Check the show notes for links. That's it for today's episode. Thanks to today's authors, Parker and Leah, and a huge thank you. Thanks to all of you for listening. And guess what? You can still send us your stories and we respond to every single story we receive. Grown Ups. Your link to submit stories is in the show Notes for today's episode. We'll be back next week with DJ Scormalot's Thanksgiving mixtape. Until then, stay creative and stay kind by dreaming. The Story Pirates podcast is a production of Story Pirates Studios, executive produced by Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salka. This episode was produced by Sam Baer, Peter McNerney, Andrew Miller and Lee Overtree. Recording sound design and mixing by Sam Baer at the Relic Room in New York City. Additional production by Brett Toobin. Theme song by Bobby Lord. Musical scoring by Eric Gerson and Jack Mitchell. Our head writer is Peter McNerney. Staff writers are Megan O' Neil and Alexis Simpson. Contributing writers are Lee Overtree and Steve White. Episode artwork by Camilla Franklin. This episode features performances by abel arias, eric austin, andrew barbado, colin batten, langston darby, chris ferry, eric gerson, caroline lux, martha marion, peter mcnerney, megan o', neal, lee overtree, sam reef passeroo, julia schroeder, kristen studdard, rachel winitski and nimini ware. Okay, so looking to evaluate one over PI times the square of the integral of e to the minus x squared. Let's call that integral I. When we square I, it becomes a double integral over the whole plane of E to the minus x squared plus y squared. Then we switch to polar coordinates, which turns that into integral from 0 to 2 PI of d theta times integral from 0 to infinity of re to the minus R squared d minus r. The theta part gives 2 PI and the r integral becomes 1/2 after a simple substitution. So I squared is PI and the Original expression is 1 over PI. Times PI, which equals 1.

[Eric]

Correct. You have pleased me with your math.