Excessive Work Out Guy and the Revenge of the Gym Equipment

Summary

Podcast Summary: Story Pirates

Episode: Excessive Workout Guy and the Revenge of the Gym Equipment
Date: September 25, 2025

---

Episode Overview

In this imaginative and energetic episode, the Story Pirates team brings to life a hilarious kid-created tale: "Excessive Workout Guy and the Revenge of the Gym Equipment," written by Naomi (age 10) and Max (age 8) from Canada. The episode turns the tables on an overly enthusiastic gym-goer as gym equipment, in cahoots with the resident gym dog, plot zany banana-based pranks to teach him a lesson about moderation and respect. The episode blends clever humor, whimsical character voices, and musical storytelling, all while using original story ideas from kids.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Introduction and Story Setup

• [01:47] Lee, the host, introduces the theme: people who work out at odd hours and hints at a story featuring mischievous gym equipment.
• Naomi and Max present their story: “Excessive Workout Guy and the Revenge of the Gym Equipment.”
  • The gym is "the only fitness gym that's open all 1440 minutes of the day!" (02:20)

2. Gym Ownership and the Watchdog

• Gym owner leaves the night shift in the paws of Rufus the gym dog.
  • “Bark. Take good care of the gym equipment while I’m gone. And watch out for Excessive Workout Guy.” (02:34)

3. Gym Equipment’s Lament

• The gym equipment animatedly complain about their mistreatment at the hands of Excessive Workout Guy:
  • Barbell: “He always slams me to the ground excessively.” (03:14)
  • Treadmill: “He sets my speed way too high.” (03:19)
  • Trampoline: “He jumped on me so excessively that he almost broke my springs. He’s so excessive. Easy now. My poor little springs.” (03:29)
• Monkey Bars and Climbing Wall also voice their grievances, highlighting the titular character’s over-the-top antics.

4. Planning Revenge

• Rufus, the gym dog, swears: “I swear on my mother’s favorite rawhide chew, I will handle Excessive Workout Guy.” (03:56)
• The equipment prepares to collectively stand up to their human tormentor, and tension builds as midnight approaches.

5. Excessive Workout Guy Arrives

• Exaggerated, boastful entrance: “Hello, empty gym. I’m Bob and I’m here to work out. Bark, bark. Hello, silly guard dog. You can’t stop me.” (04:10)
• Proceeds to work out on every piece of gym equipment with reckless abandon, oblivious to their suffering.
• Notable moment: “In fact, since no one’s here, I can say out loud my only weakness. Bananas.” (05:34)

6. The Banana-Powered Prank Plan

• The gym equipment and Rufus formulate a plan to exploit Excessive Workout Guy’s banana weakness.
• Hilarious sabotage ensues:
  • Banana on the barbell: "Ah, there’s banana on this barbell. Mamma mia. That hurt." (06:37)
  • Treadmill set to "banana": "Wait a minute. Somebody set this treadmill to banana." (07:10)
  • Monkey bars covered in banana oil.
  • The coup de grâce: a banana tar pit beneath the trampoline.

7. Reckoning and Resolution

• After enduring the banana gauntlet, Excessive Workout Guy laments: "Okay, that is a lot to process. But if my workout style isn’t appreciated here... I will leave and never come back. You, my friend, have lost yourself a customer." (08:57)
• Gym equipment celebrates his departure.
  • Barbell: “Hooray. That’s what I was gonna say.” (09:13)
• Excessive Workout Guy is left stuck in the banana tar pit until the gym opens.

8. Owner Returns and Wraps Up

• Gym owner finds Excessive Workout Guy in the banana tar pit.
  • “Eh, you probably had your reasons.” (09:49)
• Rufus basks in a job well done: “I sure did.” (09:51)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Excessive Workout Guy’s Weakness

  • Bob: "In fact, since no one’s here, I can say out loud my only weakness. Bananas. That’s right, dog who lives at the gym. But you can’t tell anyone or do anything about it since you’re just a silly dog." (05:34)

• Equipment’s Frustration

  • Trampoline (dramatically): “He jumped on me so excessively that he almost broke my springs. He’s so excessive. Easy now. My poor little springs.” (03:29)

• Justice Served

  • Rufus: “I put the banana tar there because you have been working out too excessively. And so we were forced to play all these banana pranks on you to teach you not to use gym equipment so aggressively.” (08:45)
  • Excessive Workout Guy (defeated): "Okay, that is a lot to process. But if my workout style isn’t appreciated here, then I guess I will leave and never come back." (08:57)

• Dog’s Triumph

  • Rufus (proud): “I sure did.” (09:51)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:47] – Story and author introduction
• [02:34] – Rufus, the gym dog, left in charge
• [03:11] – Gym equipment vent about Excessive Workout Guy
• [04:10] – Excessive Workout Guy’s grand entrance
• [05:34] – Dramatic revelation of his banana weakness
• [06:20]–[08:30] – Banana-fueled revenge sequence
• [08:57] – Excessive Workout Guy quits, defeated
• [09:46] – Owner returns, humorous resolution

---

Episode Tone & Style

• The episode is lighthearted, packed with puns, cartoonish chaos, and a spirit of cooperation between imaginative gym equipment and a loyal dog.
• Dialogue and sound effects amp up the silly, exaggerated energy, making it engaging for kids and adults alike.
• The story’s resolution reinforces messages of teamwork, standing up for oneself, and the value of not overdoing things—even exercise.
• The episode closes by inviting kids to submit their own stories and reassuring them that creativity is always welcome.

---

For Listeners

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Story Pirates, this episode offers a laugh-filled adventure that cleverly brings kids’ ideas to life while celebrating imagination, teamwork, and a little righteous mischief. A perfect listen for family story time or any moment you need a burst of creative joy.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here. Have you ever seen one of those guys that seem like they work out a lot? Well, today's story is about that kind of guy and the revenge taken upon him by the inanimate objects that like him the least. Gym equipment grownups. Guess what? Until our new season debuts, you can get twice as many new stories on your feed by subscribing to Story Pirates Creator Club. Plus, subscribers get the ad free version of the show and premium membership. Even get to participate in a quarterly video meetup with Lee and Peter where we create a brand new story together for the podcast. But most of all, Creator Club members help us support the cost of the show so we can keep bringing it to you every week. If you're already a Creator Club member, thank you so much. And if you want to join, you can do so by visiting storypirates.com creatorclub or by subscribing right in Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Today's brand new story and a special message about the upcoming season. Coming up after a few more words for the grown ups.

[B]

I love Story Party. I'm very different from everybody. Confusion is the step before curiosity. Okay, that's a really funny idea. We have to send that in. I just get some joy when I hear other people giggling. I believe all of the things in my story. Human beings are just able to create the Story Pirates.

[A]

Welcome back to the Story Pirates podcast. Did you know that some people actually do go to the gym to work out at midnight? Like when everyone else is asleep? Yeah, it's true. And today's news story is about one such person. Here are the authors to introduce it.

[B]

Hi, I'm NAOMI and I'm 10 years old. And I'm Max. And I'm eight years old. And we're from Canada. This is our story. Excessive Workout Diet and the Revenge of the Gym Equipment. Another successful day here at 1440 Minute Fitness, the only fitness gym that's open all 1440 minutes of the day.

[C]

Bark.

[B]

You said it, Ruth. Rufus. Well, it's 11pm time for me to clock out and leave you a normal dog in charge. Bark, Take good care of the gym equipment while I'm gone. And watch out for Excessive Workout Guy. You know, the guy who comes every night at midnight and works out excessively. I'm sure you'll handle it. See you in the morning.

[C]

Bark.

[D]

She's gone. At last, the gym equipment and I can talk.

[B]

Good, because we have to figure out what to do about Excessive Workout Guy.

[D]

Barbell Is he really that bad?

[B]

Yes. He always slams me to the ground excessively. Treadmill hates him too.

[C]

I sure do. He sets my speed way too high.

[B]

Well, at least he doesn't excessively swing on you. I'm the monkey bars, not the gorilla bars. You think you have it bad? Try being me. A trampoline. He jumped on me so excessively that he almost broke my springs. He's so excessive. Easy now. My poor little springs.

[D]

Maybe we can steer him away from all of you by keeping him busy on the climbing wall.

[C]

No way. Did you hear the thud he made when he landed on me? Don't get me started on the excessive climbing. Up and down.

[D]

Everyone calm down. I swear on my mother's favorite rawhide chew, I will handle Excessive Workout Guy.

[C]

Good, because he's going to show at the stroke of midnight.

[B]

Oh, no.

[C]

Hello, empty gym. I'm Bob and I'm here to work out. Bark, bark. Hello, silly guard dog. You can't stop me. First the barbells Rufus.

[B]

He lifted me so suddenly. Help.

[C]

Did somebody say something? Nah, I'm probably just imagining things Excessively. Back to my reps. Ouch.

[B]

I'm dizzy.

[C]

Now the treadmill. Should I set this thing to 100%?

[B]

Bark bark.

[C]

That would be excessive. Which is why I'm gonna do it. Hey, this treadmill's making weird noises. I better run faster. Now I run. All right, next on the list, the monkey bars. Here I go. Monkey bars. Monkey bars. Stuck the landing. Next, I'm gonna jump off the trampoline and onto the climbing wall. Bark, bark, bark and jump. Now I'm gonna climb up, down, up, down, up, down. And down. Wow. Another successful workout for me, Excessive Workout Guy. And no one's here to stop me. In fact, since no one's here, I can say out loud my only weakness. Bananas. That's right, dog who lives at the gym. But you can't tell anyone or do anything about it since you're just a silly dog. See you tomorrow.

[B]

That was awful.

[C]

Please, we can't go on like this.

[D]

Didn't you all hear? Excessive Workout Guy told us his one weakness.

[B]

What does that mean?

[D]

It means I have a plan. Excessive Workout Guy, prepare to meet an excellent source of potassium tomorrow. It's almost midnight. An Excessive Workout Guy should be here any minute.

[B]

Then we will have our revenge.

[C]

I'm back. Time to work out. First up, the Barbell bark. He's headed right for Barbell Rufus.

[D]

Good, because I put banana all over it.

[C]

Alright, here I go. Barbell. Ah, there's Banana on this barbell. Mamma mia. That hurt.

[B]

Huh?

[C]

Well, since I didn't get a good barbell workout, I'd better work out extra hard on the treadmill. Nope, I don't like the sound of that.

[D]

Remember the plan.

[C]

I think I'll set the treadmill to 100%.

[B]

Bark, bark, bark, bark.

[C]

What is it, dog? Are you trying to tell me there's free protein shake over there?

[D]

He's not looking. Time to change those settings to banana.

[C]

Hey, that wasn't a protein shake. Wait a minute. Somebody set this treadmill to banana.

[B]

He hit that yoga ball dead center. Oof. Tough landing right on the butt, babootie.

[C]

Well, thanks for nothing, treadmill moving on the monkey bars. Up I go. Someone put banana oil all over these monkey bars. That's it. I'm going to the last station. The trampoline and climbing wall combo. And it better not be cursed like the others.

[B]

It's not working, Rufus.

[D]

Just wait, Barbell. The plan will work.

[C]

Let's see. No bananas on the trampoline. No bananas on the climbing wall. No bananas anywhere. Just the gym dog who's a little puppy wuppy. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Gentle, Yentle. No need to rage at me. I'll just continue with my excessive workout business. Time to jump on the trampoline. Jump. I am Bob. The excessive workout guy springs.

[B]

Time to let go. Here we go.

[C]

The trampoline is tearing. Oh, yuck. I landed in a banana tar pit. Who would put a banana tar pit under a trampoline?

[D]

Bark, it was me.

[C]

You can talk.

[D]

We all can.

[B]

We are brain tumor face. Reason.

[C]

What?

[D]

I put the banana tar there because you have been working out too excessively. And so we were forced to play all these banana pranks on you to teach you not to to use gym equipment so aggressively.

[C]

Okay, that is a lot to process. But if my workout style isn't appreciated here, then I guess I will leave and never come back. You, my friend, have lost yourself a customer.

[B]

Hooray. That's what I was gonna say.

[C]

Oh, that was not the reaction I was expecting. I thought you'd all, like, apologize. Can you at least help me out of the banana tar pit? No.

[D]

But maybe the gym owner will help you out when she returns tomorrow morning.

[C]

Tomorrow mor.

[B]

Good morning, Rufus. I'm back. Bark, bark. And I'm sure you took great care of the gym and customers. Hey, wait a minute. Is that excessive workout guy over there stuck in a banana tar pit?

[C]

Somebody help me. Bark.

[B]

Eh, you probably had your reasons.

[D]

I sure did.

[B]

Yeah, you wait. You can the end. We'll be right back after a few words for the growm up.

[A]

Hey, guess what? Season eight of the Story Pirates podcast is right around the corner and we need your new stories. So right now is a great time to sit down and finally write that story that you've been thinking about. You know that one? The one that's so weird, so silly and so bizarre that it just makes you kinda giggle to yourself when you think about it. Remember, stories can be as short or as long as you want. And though we can't put every story we get onto the podcast, we do respond to every single story we receive. Grownups can submit [e-mail] we can't wait to read what you've been cooking up. That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening. And a big thanks to today's authors. Naomi Max. We'll be back next week with more brand new stories. Until then, stay creative and stay kind.

[C]

Bye.

[A]

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. Theme song by Bobby Lord Roll Call theme by Andrew Barbado Musical scoring by Jack Mitchell Episode artwork by Camilla Franklin Excessive Workout Guy and the Revenge of the Gym Equipment was written by Alexis Simpson and features performances by Alec Brown, Christina Grothpeach, Hallie Haas, Tara Halpern, Nehemiah Marcos, Peter McNerney and Harry Wood. Oh, hey, it's me. The opposite of Excessive Workout Guy. Here to work out, I guess. Or I could not work out. Okay, okay, I'll work out a little bit. Here we go.

[C]

There.

[A]

I lifted my phone. Hello? Yes. Yeah, I'd like to order one large pepperoni pizza, please.

[C]

Uh huh.

[A]

Yeah. Huh huh huh. Thanks.