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Lee Overtree
Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here. Today's story is about gorble funks. What's a gorble funk? You ask? You're gonna find out. But believe me, you need a gorble funk. You need one now. And grown ups. Guess what? You need twice as many new stories on your feed this summer by subscribing to Story Pirates Creator Club. Plus subscribers get the ad free version of the show. And premium members even get to participate in a quarterly video meetup with Leah 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 single week. If you're already a Creator Club member, thank you so much. And if you'd like to join, you can do so@storypirates.com creatorclub or by subscribing right in Apple Podcasts or Spotify Corblefunks. Plus another edition of Roll Call Live with Lee and Peter coming up after a few more words for the grown ups. Wow.
Peter McNerney
I love storytelling. 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 the things in my story. Human beings are just able to create the Story Pirates.
Lee Overtree
Welcome back to the Story Pirates podcast. You know, we've had a lot of strange products here on the show, but today's kind of takes the cake, like, literally. If you have a cake right now, I'm pretty sure a gorble funk is going to sneak in and take it for itself and it's going to take the cake back to all the other Gorbal Funks and they're going to feast on it. But there's no cakes in today's story. So sorry. Gorb Gerbil Funks. Here are the authors to introduce their story.
Peter McNerney
Hi, I'm Nicholas and I'm 11 years old. And I'm Daniel and I'm six years old. And we're from Eswatini. This is our story. Gorbal Funks.
Nicholas
How many times has this happened to you?
Daniel
Happy birthday, June. I got you this.
Cullen
For me? Thanks, Cullen. Oh, it's a belt sander.
Daniel
I think you mean a terrible gift.
Cullen
Yes, Cullen. Colin. Yes, I do.
Nicholas
Do you always seem to buy the wrong gift?
Daniel
Yes, but what do I do?
Nicholas
You can buy a gorble funk.
Cullen
A what?
Nicholas
A gorblefunk. What's a gorblefunk Buy a Gorblefunk.
Cullen
Yes, but what is it?
Nicholas
It's a Gorblefunk.
Daniel
That didn't answer the question.
Cullen
Yeah, what is a Gorbal Funk? Wait, where did that come from?
Nicholas
Buy one now.
Daniel
What is that?
Nicholas
It's a Gorbalfunk. Buy 97 and get one free.
Daniel
Who would want 97, let alone one Gorblbunk?
Nicholas
Buy a Gorb.
Cullen
We need a lot more information.
Daniel
What does it do?
Nicholas
It will clean your room and give you good dreams.
Jennifer
What?
Nicholas
Like this?
Cullen
I need to go to sleep, but my room is a mess.
Peter McNerney
Gobble Funk.
Cullen
Wow. It's clean. Good night, Gorbalfunk.
Peter McNerney
Gorbalfunk.
Jennifer
Jennifer. Welcome to the best dream you've ever had.
Cullen
Are we floating down a river at sunset on a boat full of puppies we all know? Wow. Thanks, Gorbofunk.
Peter McNerney
Gorbilfunk.
Lee Overtree
See?
Daniel
No, I do not see. What are you talking about?
Nicholas
You can even lick it.
Cullen
The Gorbalfunk.
Peter McNerney
Gorblfunk.
Cullen
Where does it keep coming from?
Daniel
Why would you lick it?
Nicholas
Of course you can.
Daniel
No, I didn't say that. See? No, please don't.
Cullen
No, no.
Jennifer
Please.
Peter McNerney
Stop it.
Lee Overtree
Let's stop it.
Peter McNerney
Stop it.
Jennifer
Why?
Daniel
Why are you.
Nicholas
Buy a Gorbalfunk.
Cullen
You know what? I think I'm actually happy with the belt sander.
Nicholas
Really?
Peter McNerney
No.
Nicholas
Then you should buy a Gorble Funk.
Daniel
But I'm already a clean person. I don't have nightmares and I don't want to lick it.
Nicholas
But it does so much more.
Daniel
What else does it do?
Nicholas
It can do your taxes.
Lee Overtree
Oh no. I'm being audited.
Peter McNerney
Gormafunk.
Lee Overtree
I can deduct that.
Peter McNerney
Gormavank.
Nicholas
It can teach you how to drive.
Lee Overtree
Okay, I'm putting it into reverse. And Jennifer gently pressing the pedal.
Peter McNerney
I did. It got me pink.
Nicholas
It can get to those hard to reach places.
Daniel
I guess what I'm trying to say is.
Nicholas
I love you, dad. I love you too, son. I'll bring it in here. I always wanted this. It can be your plus one to your ex's wedding.
Cullen
Lucas. I didn't think you'd come.
Jennifer
I wouldn't miss it, Trisha.
Cullen
Oh, and who's this Garberfunk I see? I'm so happy for you, Garberfunk.
Nicholas
It can phase into your brain and pilot you like a human puppet.
Lee Overtree
Wow, Anya. That presentation was your best ever. What's gotten into you, Garbabfunk? That explains it. See?
Daniel
No, I.
Lee Overtree
What?
Nicholas
You can even lick it.
Cullen
Please stop licking it. No.
Daniel
What is happening?
Cullen
Shouldn't this Commercial be over by now.
Jennifer
Garbage.
Cullen
They're everywhere.
Nicholas
By a Gorbalfung.
Daniel
Let's get out of here.
Jennifer
Run.
Lee Overtree
Quick.
Daniel
Out this door.
Cullen
This way.
Peter McNerney
Taxi.
Daniel
They're following us.
Cullen
Quick. Driver. Get us out of here. Driver. Let's go. What are you.
Nicholas
Gorbal Funk. Buy a Gorbalfunk.
Cullen
What is a Gorblefunk?
Nicholas
What is it?
Lee Overtree
Yes.
Nicholas
Well, the simple answer is we don't know. Now buy a Gorbalpunk. Please, for all our sakes. Please.
Daniel
Fine, I'll buy one. How much is it?
Peter McNerney
Gorbal punk.
Cullen
Where does it keep coming from?
Peter McNerney
Gobblepunk.
Nicholas
So buy a Gorbalfunk and never give the wrong present again.
Daniel
Happy birthday, June. I got you this.
Cullen
For me? Thanks, Cullen.
Jennifer
Wow.
Cullen
It's a Gorbilpunk. Oh, Gorblepunk.
Nicholas
Buy a Gorbal Funk. Buy a Gorble Funk.
Jennifer
Buy a Gorble Funk.
Lee Overtree
Buy a Gorbal.
Nicholas
Fire Gorbal Gorbal Funk.
Lee Overtree
Fire Gorbal Funk.
Nicholas
Fire Gorbal Punk. Fire Gorbal Funk. To order your Gorbal Funk, call 5555-555555-55555-55-5555. Gorba Funk today.
Peter McNerney
Gobble Funk. We'll be right back after a few words for the grownups.
Lee Overtree
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Sam Baer
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Lee Overtree
And now it's time for Story Pirates Roll Call. Send us your story.
Peter McNerney
Read them all.
Jennifer
We read them all.
Lee Overtree
You know, we love all mindful Story Pirate Roll Call. Welcome back to Story Pirates Roll Call where we take stories written by kids and we read them out loud and we talk about them. Peter, how are you?
Jennifer
Lee? I'm great. How are you?
Lee Overtree
Very well, thank you.
Jennifer
Very good.
Lee Overtree
I'll read the first story from Beatrix. A six year old in Australia. Here is the man who was mad. Oh, once upon a time, there was a man and he had a wife. The man and his wife had two children. There was a boy, he was 10 years old and his name was Jonathan. And there was a girl who was seven years old and her name was Daisy. One day a bird swooped their dad's hat off his head. He was mad. And then they all climbed on each other to try to get the birdies. Daisy wasn't holding on because she got distracted by another bird and they all fell down. The end.
Jennifer
You know what I love? I love a mad dad. You know, not like a really mad dad, but a dad who's just like, just a little frustrated and he can't be as patient or articulate as he would want to be normally.
Lee Overtree
Sure. This is more like frustrated though, isn't that?
Jennifer
Yeah. I picture a dad on vacation. Yeah, sure. And the itinerary is not working out. And now a bird has taken my hat.
Lee Overtree
Right. And so everybody has to climb on top of each other's shoulders in order to get the hat back.
Jennifer
Who do you think that idea came from? Do you think that was dad going get on my shoulders?
Lee Overtree
I think it was Daisy's idea because if you look at the picture that came along with this story.
Jennifer
Yeah.
Lee Overtree
It's clear that Daisy's on the bottom.
Jennifer
Oh, yeah.
Lee Overtree
Of the, of the stack of people. And so I Think she was like, quick, climb on my shoulders. You guys are going to have to go to storyvirus.com to see this picture because it's very good. And it's clear to me also that the reason they all fall down is because Daisy is on the bottom of the stack. If you are the bottom of a stack of anything, you gotta stay focused.
Jennifer
Big responsibility.
Lee Overtree
Huge responsibility.
Jennifer
Falling is no joke. You know the most dangerous thing in your house?
Lee Overtree
The falling place.
Jennifer
Yes, the falling place. You know, I keep saying, everyone who's building houses, why do you keep putting in a fall?
Lee Overtree
Yeah, you don't need that there.
Jennifer
It's just a hole in the ground.
Lee Overtree
The worst is when they put that in the tub.
Jennifer
Yes. Oh, well, it's sort of the most fun too.
Lee Overtree
Yeah.
Jennifer
You get in, you go.
Lee Overtree
Yeah. But falling in the tub is no joke.
Jennifer
No, no, no, no, no, no. My daughter got stitches. What?
Lee Overtree
From falling in the tub? Yeah. Wow.
Jennifer
Yeah.
Lee Overtree
Because of the falling place.
Jennifer
Because I put a falling place in there, I really got to install a plug in the falling place.
Lee Overtree
Beatrix, incredible story.
Jennifer
Yes.
Lee Overtree
Thanks for sending it in. Peter, would you read us our next one?
Jennifer
Yes, Lee. Our next story comes to us from a 7 year old from Indiana named Calvin. And Calvin's story is called oh no.
Lee Overtree
With how many exclamation points?
Jennifer
At least 10.
Lee Overtree
Yeah.
Jennifer
Once upon a time, there was a trained ninja and an untrained ninja. The untrained ninja screams, hello. The trained ninja says, you don't need to shout.
Lee Overtree
No.
Jennifer
There was also a mad scientist. The mad scientist says, the man scientist made a giant robot alligator while saying, muah ha ha ha. The giant robot alligator attacked the city. The city building has in case of tornado enter arrow sign. The mad scientist and giant robot alligator say, then the giant robot alligator ate the two ninjas.
Peter McNerney
Nom nom nom.
Jennifer
In the giant robot alligator's mouth there was a laser. The untrained ninja walked into the laser and froze. Then the other ninja did a backflip and broke the ice that froze the other ninja. The ninjas are inside the robot alligator because it ate them. Then they punched his mouth and destroyed his mouth and escape. Then they defeated the mad scientist and the giant robot alligator and kicked them to the moon. Then they went to the candy realm and had a super ice cream sledding party. The trained ninja says, the end.
Lee Overtree
I love this story. Trained versus untrained ninja is a genius pairing.
Jennifer
Yes.
Lee Overtree
My favorite part of the story is when they destroyed his mouth.
Jennifer
I love that they punched his mouth and destroyed his mouth.
Lee Overtree
What do you think the title of the story refers to? Oh, no.
Jennifer
I think it's. The whole situation is a pretty oh, no. If you're inside the mouth of the robot alligator, you're about to go down its throat, I guess so you're in trouble. That's a big oh, no.
Lee Overtree
I think this is from the untrained ninja's perspective. The oh, no. You know, like, interesting, because the trained ninja would not get flustered like that.
Jennifer
Yeah, you don't need to shout.
Lee Overtree
That's right.
Jennifer
Untrained ninja.
Lee Overtree
Exactly. And so, you know, if we were in a classroom with Calvin, I'd say, calvin, what if you chose a character's perspective for this story to be from instead of, you know, omniscient narrator? What if you pick one of these characters to sort of see it through their eyes?
Jennifer
Yeah. If this story was through the eyes of the trained ninja, it might be more like the untrained ninja was loud again.
Lee Overtree
Right.
Jennifer
And he must learn his place. And if it was from the mad scientist perspective, it would just be muah, ha ha ha ha ha ha for five minutes.
Lee Overtree
Right. While he does incredible things, frankly, like make a giant robot alligator while saying muahaha. Right.
Jennifer
Is there anything more efficient in terms of communication in telling us who you are by just going.
Lee Overtree
That was good.
Jennifer
Thank you. Have you ever met a nice guy that, like, tell me a joke?
Lee Overtree
I'm just being put on the spot to tell you a joke.
Jennifer
Just say a punchline without the setup.
Lee Overtree
I don't know. You can't just tell me to say a punchline without the setup.
Jennifer
I'll do a punchline right now.
Lee Overtree
Okay.
Jennifer
Salad's not for everyone. See, that's a punchline without the setup.
Lee Overtree
Is it a punchline, though?
Jennifer
It's implied the point.
Lee Overtree
Your joke actually is that that's not a punchline. It is an unfunny line. I just want you to give that could never. But in a joke. Oh, yeah, you're saying it's a punchline. I'll make a joke.
Jennifer
I'll make a joke out of. Salad is not for everybody.
Lee Overtree
Let me see the setup.
Jennifer
Okay, so there's a dinosaur, and he goes into a vegetarian restaurant, and the waiter says, can I get you anything? And he goes home and eats the waiter, and the manager out front goes, salad's not for everybody.
Lee Overtree
Okay, that was pretty good.
Jennifer
All right, thank you.
Lee Overtree
You got it.
Jennifer
I don't remember my original point, so let's move on.
Lee Overtree
All right, I will read today's final story. Calvin, Amazing work, my friend. All right. From Marina, age 5 in Texas. This is. I am a doo doo dada I am a doo doo dada I have never had this thing before but this is so fun. I am so silly when someone that sad sees me they cheer right up Because I'm so silly I am a doo doo dada I know why I am so silly Because I have silly arms, a silly head, a silly body. My whole body is silly Because I am a doo doo da da My name is doo doo da da I am so funny and silly I couldn't wait for my silly show I won't. Because I was the silliest at the show.
Jennifer
I won it because I was.
Lee Overtree
The silliest I won it because I was the silliest at the show Because I am a doo doo da da I am a doo doo da da I am a doo doo da da I am a doo doo da da yeah Doo doo doo doo da da Doo doo doo doo da da I am a doo doo da da I am the only one in this place this is not funny because everyone is not silly in this place I am the only one that's silly and funny I am so silly and funny Because I am a doo doo dah dah I am a doo doo da da doo doo doo doo doo doo da da the end.
Jennifer
This is the best thing I've ever heard in my life.
Lee Overtree
Yeah.
Jennifer
I could have listened to you say I'm a doo doo dada a hundred more times.
Lee Overtree
Well, I already said 100, so.
Jennifer
So here's my question. This to me, feels like, is this character a doo doo dada? Like truly another worldly monster, something absurd? Or is this a kid going doing a character? You know, like when you're supposed to be serious? Like maybe you're at church or you're at a wedding or something, and you're sitting there and your parents say, now be good. And then suddenly you just can't help but go, imma doo doo da da.
Lee Overtree
Right. And then you're like, this is not funny because I'm the only silly one in this place.
Jennifer
But then you can't stop laughing because it's the wrong place to be so silly.
Lee Overtree
Yeah. Well, you know, I do think that there is something very relatable about this. And it's easy to imagine a small child just being silly and doing this. But I think in the spirit of story pirates, we assume that this is a character study. This is about some kind of creature called a doo da da do da da du da da doo doo Da. Yeah. And frankly, I think it's kind of a frightening character.
Jennifer
They have silly arms, a silly head, a silly body.
Lee Overtree
My whole body is silly. Although I mean, silly is like. Is silly though. Silly's not scary.
Jennifer
True.
Lee Overtree
So I take that back.
Jennifer
Although you could read this in a scary way and it has a different tone.
Lee Overtree
It's true.
Jennifer
I am a doo doo dah dah. I know why I am so silly. I have silly arm. I don't like this.
Lee Overtree
I loved it. That was awesome.
Jennifer
I'm a doo doo dada. I'm a doo doo dada Doo doo doo doo dada. The repetition of it starts to go to a pretty out there place.
Lee Overtree
I think if you pull back even more, it's a little scarier. Like I am a doo doo da da.
Jennifer
I am so silly and funny because I am a doo doo da.
Lee Overtree
Marina. Really, really good, really good story.
Jennifer
I'm gonna read this by myself later, just in every tone possible.
Lee Overtree
I'll definitely be thinking about it a lot the rest of the day. Marina, thank you so much for sending it in. That's it for Roll Call. To read all of today's stories, just head to storypirates.com and remember, you can watch an even longer version of Roll Call on the Story Pirates YouTube page with help from your grown ups. And now it's time for you to write us a story. Because summertime is a great time to write stories, grown ups can submit stories@storypirates.com and remember, we respond to every single story we receive. That was roll. That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening and a big thanks to today's authors, Nicholas and Daniel. We'll be back next week with more brand new stories. Until then, stay creative and stay kind. 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 Corble Funks was Adapted by Peter McNerney and features performances by Ryan Chittepong, Chris Ferry, Alex Justice Lambright, amay Lutkin, Peter McNerney, Emily Olcott, Megan O' Neil and Lee Overtree. Finally, the episode's over and I'm alone with my cake. My delicious, huge chocolate cake that's just for me and no one else.
Peter McNerney
Don't be frank.
Lee Overtree
No.
Story Pirates Podcast: Gorblefunks – Episode Summary
Introduction
In the July 24, 2025 episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast, titled "Gorblefunks," listeners are treated to a delightful blend of imaginative storytelling and comedic brilliance. Hosted by Lee Overtree, the episode masterfully transforms children's narratives into engaging sketch comedies and original songs, captivating both young audiences and adults alike.
Gorblefunks: The Main Story
The heart of this episode revolves around the whimsical tale "Gorblefunks," adapted by talented young authors Nicholas (11) and Daniel (6) from Eswatini. The story introduces listeners to the enigmatic Gorblefunk, a curious creature with magical abilities.
Plot Overview: Nicholas and Daniel narrate the story of Cullen, who struggles with awkward gift-giving. When Cullen presents a seemingly useless belt sander for June’s birthday, Nicholas suggests an alternative: a Gorblefunk. Despite Cullen’s confusion, Nicholas persuades him by highlighting the Gorblefunk's extraordinary features, such as cleaning rooms and providing pleasant dreams.
The narrative escalates humorously as Gorblefunks multiply uncontrollably, leading to chaos and the eventual realization that perhaps the belt sander wasn't such a bad gift after all.
Notable Quotes:
Insights and Discussions: The Story Pirates team skillfully infuses humor through repeated chants and the absurdity of the Gorblefunk's advertised features. The playful banter between characters underscores themes of gift-giving mishaps and the unpredictability of magical solutions.
Roll Call: Stories from Young Authors
Following the main story, the Roll Call segment shines a spotlight on additional creative works submitted by young storytellers. Hosted by Lee Overtree and Jennifer, this section celebrates the vivid imaginations of children, offering both readings and insightful discussions.
Beatrix’s "The Man Who Was Mad" [09:36]
Summary: Beatrix, a six-year-old from Australia, tells the story of a man whose hat is stolen by a bird, leading to a comical family mishap as they attempt to retrieve it by stacking on each other’s shoulders.
Discussion Highlights:
Calvin’s "Oh No" [12:29]
Summary: Calvin, a seven-year-old from Indiana, introduces a high-stakes adventure featuring a trained ninja, an untrained ninja, and a mad scientist with a giant robot alligator. The story culminates in a triumphant battle where the ninjas defeat their adversaries and celebrate with a super ice cream sledding party.
Discussion Highlights:
Marina’s "I am a doo doo dada" [16:03]
Summary: Marina, age five from Texas, presents a humorous and repetitive chant about being a "doo doo dada," emphasizing silliness and self-love despite feeling out of place.
Discussion Highlights:
Conclusion
The "Gorblefunks" episode of Story Pirates not only entertains with its inventive main story but also celebrates the creativity of young writers through its Roll Call segment. With engaging performances, thoughtful discussions, and memorable quotes, this episode exemplifies the podcast’s mission to inspire imagination and bring laughter to listeners of all ages.
Key Takeaways:
For those who haven't yet experienced the magic of Story Pirates, the "Gorblefunks" episode is a testament to the boundless creativity and joy that come from children's storytelling.