The Gum

Summary

Podcast Summary: Story Pirates – "The Gum"
Release Date: July 28, 2025

---

Introduction

In the July 28, 2025 episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast titled "The Gum," hosts Lee Overtree and Peter McNerney bring to life a creative and humorous story penned by an eight-year-old author, Katherine from Nebraska. This episode seamlessly blends sketch comedy, original songs, and insightful discussions, staying true to the podcast's mission of turning children's stories into engaging performances for audiences of all ages.

---

Featured Story: "The Gum"

Timestamp Highlights: 01:32 – 08:52

Katherine's story, "The Gum," centers around Henry, a curious dog who discovers a piece of gum during a stormy night. Ignoring his owner's warnings, Henry decides to chew the gum, leading to a series of comedic and adventurous events.

• Discovery and Consequences:

  • Henry: "It's really raining cats and dogs out here." [00:58]
  • As Henry chews the gum, it becomes stuck to his tongue, causing panic among his family members.

• Family's Attempt to Help:

  • Mark (Henry's owner): "Stay here, boy. I'm gonna go check it out." [02:21]
  • The family consults a veterinarian to remove the gum, leading to humorous exchanges about the severity of the situation.

• Veterinary Mishaps and Solutions:

  • Peter McNerney (as the Vet): "Cut your tongue off and do surgery. Now." [04:17]
  • The initial surgical attempt fails, prompting a more creative approach to solve Henry's predicament.

• Publicity and First Responders:

  • Henry's gum predicament gains media attention, leading to an array of first responders arriving to assist.
  • Detective Bill: "Retrace your steps." [07:21]
  • The detective's advice leads Henry to revisit the scene of the gum discovery, ultimately resolving the issue in a lighthearted manner.

"The Gum" masterfully combines humor with a touch of suspense, illustrating the playful dynamics between Henry and his family while highlighting the inventive problem-solving that defines the Story Pirates spirit.

---

Roll Call: Listener Stories

Timestamp Highlights: 11:14 – 20:39

Following the featured story, the hosts dive into the "Roll Call" segment, showcasing creative tales submitted by young listeners. This episode features three standout stories, each sparking engaging discussions and laughter.

1. Grayson's "The Podcast Podcast"

   • Summary: Grayson, an eight-year-old from California, imagines a podcast where the host inadvertently steals Bob Linden Crops' gold through the antics of mischievous crows.

   • Notable Discussion:

     • Mark: "The single most popular name that kids love to write stories about is Bob." [14:14]
     • The hosts humorously dissect the coincidence of Bob being featured on his own podcast and playfully critique the laziness of podcast hosts.

2. Addie, Evren, and Taryn's "The Foods We Eat OmNom.com"

   • Summary: This verse narrative explores the chaos that ensues when a family mistakenly scans their table instead of the QR code at a restaurant, leading to comedic culinary consequences.

   • Notable Discussion:

     • Mark: "If you scan the table, well, pick up a knife." [17:34]
     • Lee and Mark draw parallels to modern dining experiences with QR codes, appreciating the cleverness and rhythmic quality of the poem.

3. August's "The Mutant Cheeseburger"

   • Summary: August, a seven-year-old from Virginia, tells the tale of a village bakery that creates a mutant cheeseburger. The first two burgers are perfect, but the third becomes evil and consumes a customer, forcing the baker to address the mishap in an unexpected way.

   • Notable Discussion:

     • Lee: "Yeah. No more upsetting..." [18:19]
     • The hosts delve into the darker humor of the story, contemplating the metaphorical implications of consumption and creation gone awry, while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

The "Roll Call" segment not only celebrates young storytellers but also fosters a sense of community and inspiration among listeners, encouraging creativity and the sharing of imaginative narratives.

---

Conclusion

The "The Gum" episode of Story Pirates beautifully encapsulates the essence of the podcast—transforming children's inventive stories into delightful performances. With its blend of humor, creativity, and heartfelt discussions, this episode offers laughter and inspiration for both kids and adults. Listeners are encouraged to visit Story Pirates to explore more stories and participate in future episodes by submitting their own creative works.

Stay creative and stay kind!

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Henry: "It's really raining cats and dogs out here." [00:58]
• Mark: "Stay here, boy. I'm gonna go check it out." [02:21]
• Peter McNerney (as the Vet): "Cut your tongue off and do surgery. Now." [04:17]
• Mark: "The single most popular name that kids love to write stories about is Bob." [14:14]
• Mark: "If you scan the table, well, pick up a knife." [17:34]
• Lee: "Yeah. No more upsetting..." [18:19]

---

Produced by Story Pirates Studios, this episode was expertly crafted with contributions from Lee Overtree, Peter McNerney, and a talented ensemble of performers. For more heartwarming and hilarious stories, subscribe to the Story Pirates podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Transcript

[Lee Overtree]

Welcome back to Story Pirate Summer. Did you know that every Monday this summer, Creator Club members have gotten an extra brand new story just for them? Well, today we decided to open up the Monday episode for everyone so you can hear what you're missing with a brand new story called the gum. And if you'd like new stories every Monday in August, it's not too late to join Creator Club by visiting storypirates.com creatorclub or by subscribing right in Apple Podcasts or Spotify. A brand new story. And we're throwing in another roll call live with Lee and Peter coming up right after a few words for the grown ups. I love storytelling.

[Peter McNerney]

I'm very different from everybody.

[Lee Overtree]

Confusion is the step before curiosity.

[Peter McNerney]

Okay, that's a really funny idea.

[Lee Overtree]

We have to send that in.

[Peter McNerney]

I just get some joy and 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. Today's brand new story is about two things that should never go together. That's right. I'm talking about gum and dogs. Here's the author to introduce it.

[Peter McNerney]

Hi, my name is Katherine. I'm eight years old and I live in Nebraska. And this is my story, the Gum.

[Henry]

It was a dark and stormy night.

[Lee Overtree]

No, Henry, it is a dark and stormy night.

[Henry]

Right. Thanks, Mark. I can't believe I messed up the tents there.

[Lee Overtree]

All good, Henry.

[Henry]

It's really raining cats and dogs out here.

[Lee Overtree]

Cats and dogs? Nice joke, Henry.

[Henry]

Oh, I didn't even realize I was making one. But what are you gonna do? I'm a dog, not a writer.

[Lee Overtree]

Yeah, I guess you. I nearly stepped on this piece of gum here. Good thing I didn't. Gum is hard to get out. Oh, look, there's an earthworm on the sidewalk over there.

[Mark]

Stay here, boy. I'm gonna go check it out.

[Henry]

So this is gum, huh? Smells interesting. I've always wanted to try it, but Mark says it's not for dogs. Ah, heck, one piece can't hurt.

[Lee Overtree]

Hey, Henry, I'm back. I got bored with the worm. What did you do while I was looking away?

[Henry]

Um, nothing.

[Mark]

Well, all right.

[Lee Overtree]

Come on, let's go inside and get ready for bed.

[Henry]

Perfect. Once I'm in my doggy bed, I can chew this gum all night.

[Lee Overtree]

What's that, boy?

[Henry]

Nothing to be. It's tomorrow.

[Lee Overtree]

Close, Henry, but I think you mean it's today.

[Henry]

Huh? Oh, right. It's today.

[Lee Overtree]

There you go. Okay, it's time to get up. And. Henry, are you Chewing gum?

[Henry]

What? I mean, yes, I went to sleep with it in my mouth last night. But wouldn't it have just fallen out? Or maybe I would have swallowed it while I slept. I'll spit it out right now.

[Lee Overtree]

Mark.

[Henry]

It stuck to my tongue. What are we gonna do?

[Lee Overtree]

Let's see if mom and dad know what to do. Mom, dad, Mark, Henry, stop running in the house. Take those zoomies outside. No zoomies in the house, Hen. Mom, dad, Henry has gum stuck on his tongue.

[Mark]

Gum?

[Henry]

I know. I saw some on the ground and just had to try it. I'm sorry.

[Lee Overtree]

No need to panic. Let me just grab my tweezers out of my purse and try to pry it. Oh, and there. At least we got a tiny piece off. Maybe we should go to the vet.

[Henry]

I hate the vet. But it's worth it. Let's go.

[Peter McNerney]

Well, Henry, I've never seen anything like this. We've tried everything to remove that gum, and it's just not budging.

[Henry]

Is there anything else you could try, Doc?

[Peter McNerney]

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll try something pretty straightforward and not too severe.

[Lee Overtree]

What is it?

[Peter McNerney]

Cut your tongue off and do surgery. Now. Wait. There is another better option. We could do dangerous experiments, which maybe won't end up so good.

[Henry]

Wha.

[Peter McNerney]

Actually, that's not a better option. I don't know why I said that. But what are you gonna do? I'm a vet, not a writer. If we do surgery, he will be fine.

[Lee Overtree]

What do you think, boy? This is your decision.

[Henry]

Let's do surgery.

[Lee Overtree]

Phew.

[Peter McNerney]

Oh. I mean, cool. Sorry, the dangerous experiments just involve so much paperwork. Anyway. To surgery. The surgery was a success.

[Lee Overtree]

Yay. There's no more gum on his tongue.

[Peter McNerney]

Oh, actually, we won't know that until we take the bandages off.

[Henry]

Then why did you say that it was a success?

[Peter McNerney]

I'm not really sure. Let's take a look. Let me just undo the bandages and. Aha. See for yourselves.

[Henry]

My tongue still has the gum. I sound ridiculous with this gum on my tongue. I can't go on like this.

[Lee Overtree]

Wait a minute. That gives me an idea. What is it? You'll see. Follow me.

[Peter McNerney]

Welcome to the news. Our top story, a dog with gums stuck on its mouth. You heard that, right? We go now live to the Sycamore Dog park for an exclusive interview with Henry the Dog.

[Henry]

Thanks, Bill, and good evening to your audience.

[Lee Overtree]

Hello.

[Henry]

I am Henry Dog, and I have gum stuck to my tongue. If you think you can help, I'll be here at the Sycamore dog Park.

[Peter McNerney]

Until 9pm thank you and good luck, Henry. Viewers at home, stick with us for more updates.

[Lee Overtree]

Ha.

[Henry]

Great joke. Stick with us like stick of gum.

[Peter McNerney]

Oh, right. I guess it was a joke. I didn't even realize I was making it. But what are you gonna do? I'm a news anchor, not a lady who makes up jokes. Stay tuned for updates.

[Lee Overtree]

So I guess we just wait here and see if anyone was watching who might be able to help you. Whoa. It's a fire truck, a police car, and an ambulance. I wonder what's up.

[Mark]

Henry, it's us, Nebraska's finest first responders. We're here to help you.

[Henry]

Boy, thanks a million.

[Mark]

Don't worry, we'll take care of this in no time. Here we go. Well, it's been 10 hours, and despite the full efforts of the fire department, police and EMTs, that gum is still on Henry's tongue. I'm so sorry to burst your bubble.

[Lee Overtree]

Burst your bubble. That's a good joke.

[Mark]

Oh, I guess it is. I didn't realize I was making a joke. But what are you gonna do? I'm a firefighter. Anyway, best of luck to you. Let's go.

[Henry]

I guess that's it. I'm just going to have to live with this gum in my mouth forever.

[Lee Overtree]

Not if I have anything to say about it. Huh. Who are you? I'm Detective Bill. A gumshoe? That's a great joke. Thanks. I'm a detective and a writer. Listen, I know how to solve this problem. All you need to do is retrace your steps. How will that. Good luck. Wait, where are you going? Sorry, I'm late for a thing. Bye. Retrace our steps. I guess we go back to the vet. Go back even further than that.

[Henry]

How far?

[Lee Overtree]

From the beginning. You couldn't have just told us that from over here? What? I said. Oh. Hank, drop it. Let's go. Are we close to where you found the gum?

[Henry]

I was just over on the corner when I ate it off the sidewalk.

[Lee Overtree]

I'm not sure how coming back here is going to help.

[Henry]

Yeah, it's not like it's suddenly going to come out if I spit like this. Hey, it worked.

[Lee Overtree]

Hooray. Congrats, Detective Bill. How did you know that retracing our steps would solve the case? I didn't. And I have a feeling that that will be a mystery for years. Who will figure it out? Will you? What?

[Henry]

Anyway, I'm just glad to have my happy ending.

[Lee Overtree]

Well, I suppose it's like they say, every dog has his day. Great joke. Thank you. I wrote that the end.

[Peter McNerney]

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

[Lee Overtree]

Hey grownups. Today's episode is brought to you by DoorDash. School's out and that means there are so many things going on. Backyard barbecues, camp, swimming, snacking, weekend getaway. And all of that means that spending's up. But summer of dashpass on DoorDash is back. To keep more cash in your wallet starting June 26, Summer of DashPass is your excuse to stock up on all of the things you need this summer. I know I always need a lot of sunscreen around, an extra water bottle or two, and beach towels. Gotta get beach towels for the whole family or whatever's in your cart and get it with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders. Sign up for DashPass now if you aren't already a member and enjoy a summer full of savings. DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders. Terms apply.

[Brandon Jerko]

It can be overwhelming to manage a business, especially when you're first starting out. Your to do list just keeps growing every day with new tasks, and that list can easily begin to overrun your life. Finding the right tool not only helps you out, but can simplify problems you haven't even encountered yet. And for millions of businesses, that tool is Shopify. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. With hundreds of ready to use templates, Shopify can help you easily build a beautiful online store to match your brand style. And best yet, Shopify is your commerce expert with world class expertise in everything from managing inventory to international shipping to processing returns and beyond. If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com realm. Go to shopify.com realm shopify.com realm.

[Lee Overtree]

And now it's time for Story Pirates Roll Call. Send us your story. Send us your story. We read them all. We read them all. You know we love us the Mindful Story Pirate Roll Call welcome back to Story Pirates Roll Call where we take stories written by kids and we read them and we talk about them because they're incredible and inspiring and moving. Peter, how about you read this first one for us today?

[Mark]

Lee okay, this first story comes to us from an 8 year old from California named Grayson. And Grayson's story is called the Podcast Podcast.

[Lee Overtree]

Oh how appropriate. Mm.

[Mark]

Host, welcome to the podcast. Podcast. This is where we ask random people to make the episode for us. But it must be a new podcast. Our special guest today is Bob Linden Crops. Bob, I'm very happy to be here. And here's my recording video. This is Bob's podcast, and this is where I show you all my money. So here is my gold, because I only have gold. Hey, look, crows. Crows take shiny stuff, right? And they took it. Well, I'll go get it back. 30 hours later. Well, I never got my gold back. Back to the studio. Do you have my gold? Because it's in your hands. This is the host. Uh, that's the end of the podcast, Bob.

[Lee Overtree]

Hey.

[Mark]

24 hours earlier post. Ooh, golden. A crow's nest. The end.

[Lee Overtree]

Wow. Okay, so my biggest question is, was it just a coincidence that Bob was on the podcast?

[Mark]

Today happened to be the. The day after the host steals all his money? The host has him on his show.

[Lee Overtree]

It's gotta be a coincidence, because why would the host know anything about Bob? He found the money in a crow's nest.

[Mark]

Although if it's not a coincidence, this implies that while he's hosting, he's holding all of Bob's money in his hands.

[Lee Overtree]

Well, not until they cut the video. I think when they cut the video, he started counting the money, just, you know, out of habit.

[Mark]

So while they're watching the video, Bob's like, let me count all that gold that I just found yesterday.

[Lee Overtree]

That's right, because the podcast host, don't forget crucially, is very lazy. Does not want to create the podcast episodes for themselves. Oh, yeah, for themselves. Just wants to have guests on that, make the podcast for them. But it must be a new podcast, although.

[Mark]

Yeah, and to support your argument, it says this is where we ask random people.

[Lee Overtree]

Right.

[Mark]

To make the episode for us. And it must be a new podcast, right?

[Lee Overtree]

This is a coincidence.

[Mark]

Can I also just say, we've talked about this before, but the single most popular name that kids love to write stories about is Bob is Bob. Bob's a perfect name. It sounds like a little pop sound, but Grayson chose Bob. But not just Bob, but a full name. Bob Linden Crops.

[Lee Overtree]

Blc Bob Lyndon Crops.

[Mark]

Nice to meet you, Bob Linden Crops. How the heck are you?

[Lee Overtree]

Bob Crops.

[Mark]

Bob Crops. Bob Crops. I'm the CEO of Bob's Crops. And crop tops.

[Lee Overtree]

Be Linden Crops.

[Mark]

Bob L. Crops. Any way you crop it, it's perfect.

[Lee Overtree]

I know. Also, Grayson just really giving it to the podcasts here.

[Mark]

Oh, yeah.

[Lee Overtree]

Podcasts are boring. They're lazy. The hosts themselves, they're just looking for a content anywhere they can get it.

[Mark]

This is a real amazing takedown of podcasts, but as a podcaster, I also feel seen.

[Lee Overtree]

Yeah. All right, let's get on to our next story. Yeah.

[Mark]

Lee, will you read our next story?

[Lee Overtree]

I'd love to. This is by Addie Evren and Taryn from North Carolina and it's called the foods we eat omnom.com this is in verse. The foods we eat Give us a try. A cake, a tart or even a pie can't determine the food. Don't start to cry. The foods we eat. Please don't ask us why. The foods we eat om nom.com it's all that in a bag of chips. Positively the bomb. If you want to use it, just ask your mom. The foods we eat omnom.com can't read or see the label. Take a scan with your phone if you are able. Omnom.com it's no fable. Oh dear. Don't scan that. That's just a table. French, Italian or Korean cuisine or maybe something on attire of an old limousine. We'll identify it all if you know what I mean. Don't make a fuss, no need for a scene. Oh no. What have you done, dude? You scanned something that wasn't food. What did you scan? It's to become quite crude. The not food might now start to brew. You scan the table well pick up a knife. Make sure to alert to avoid alerting your wife that table now A cake will ruin your life. Eat it quick to dodge any imminent strife. Eat it fast or it might explode Quick now or it will start to corrode. Hurry soon or you'll become a different mode because if you don't, you will self implode. The foods we eat give us a try. A cake, a tart or even a pie. Can't determine the food. Don't start to cry. The foods we eat. Please don't ask us why.

[Mark]

I am going to ask you why. Addie, Evren and Taryn. Wow, a lot to unpack here. I can't get over the scanning.

[Lee Overtree]

Yes, scanning the table.

[Mark]

You know what I thought of when I heard that? Scanning the table. You know how now you go to restaurants and there's a QR code on the tables?

[Lee Overtree]

Yes, that's exactly what they're talking about, I think.

[Mark]

Okay.

[Lee Overtree]

And in this case, I think they just were trying to scan the QR code, but they scanned the table.

[Mark]

I need to reread these two Couplets. One more time. You scanned the table. Well, pick up a knife. Make sure to avoid alerting your wife. That table now a cake. It will ruin your life. Eat it quick to dodge in any imminent strife. That's an incredible story just right there.

[Lee Overtree]

Yeah, it's really good. It actually starts in a very sort of like, food, glorious food place. Yeah. You know, and you think that it's just gonna be like, here are the things we ate. We love to eat them. They're delicious. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

[Mark]

But watch out for the cake. And can I also just say, you know, we worked on the Cat in the Hat podcast, so we've got a lot of Dr. Seuss. We've worked in meter, and it is not as easy as it seems. And these guys have done a great job.

[Lee Overtree]

All right. Incredible work. Addie, Everett and Taryn. We love it. August wrote this last story. Peter, would you read it for us?

[Mark]

Yes. From August, a 7 year old from Virginia. Here is the mutant cheeseburger.

[Lee Overtree]

More food.

[Mark]

Once upon a time, there was a peaceful village and a bakery. They sold cheeseburgers. The mayor said to make living cheeseburgers. And they did. They made three. The first two were perfect. The last was evil, and it ate the customer. The seller was shocked and he ate the cheeseburger. The end. Wow.

[Lee Overtree]

Whoa. It is a classic. We were so focused on whether we could. We didn't stop to think of whether we should.

[Mark]

And we flew too close to the sun. Yeah. Because we made two perfect cheeseburgers. And then we think we can do no wrong.

[Lee Overtree]

Life finds a way.

[Mark]

You know what I'm thinking about when I read this story? So the evil cheeseburger eats a customer, right?

[Lee Overtree]

Yeah.

[Mark]

And then the seller, to solve the problem, eats the cheeseburger. But you know what that means?

[Lee Overtree]

The customer's inside of the seller's body. Yeah.

[Mark]

Wow, that's upsetting.

[Lee Overtree]

No more upsetting than the fact that many things that we eat eat things.

[Mark]

I'm just thinking about the size of a person.

[Lee Overtree]

Sure.

[Mark]

Could you eat an entire person? I don't think so.

[Lee Overtree]

Yeah. I mean, sometimes I'll look at like a burrito and it's so big, and I'm like, how could that fit inside me? You know? Like, I wish. I almost. Like, if I had, like a door that you could open and just put the big cheeseburger inside there, it would probably like, ruin your insides, Right? Be like, too big. It'd be bigger than any one of your internal organs. And yet we can eat an entire cheeseburger. If we choose. And, you know, you might have a little bit of a little pudger, a.

[Mark]

Little rumbly in the tumbly just for.

[Lee Overtree]

A few hours, and then next thing you know, you're fine. No one ever knew that you put something that is the size of like two bricks into your body. I would love to see like an MRI or an X ray of like, of my stomach immediately after eating a too big burrito just to see, like, can I identify the whole burrito in there? How fast is it breaking down?

[Mark]

Well, if you ever chewed up a bunch of burrito and then spit it on your plate.

[Lee Overtree]

No.

[Mark]

Well, let's agree to do this.

[Lee Overtree]

Okay.

[Mark]

All right.

[Lee Overtree]

Sounds like a date. Because we have lunch all planned out.

[Mark]

Two burritos, please. Thank you very much.

[Lee Overtree]

Well, August, thank you so much for inspiring such inspiring conversation. And to read all of today's Roll Call 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 grownups. Now it's time for you to write us a story. Because summertime is a great time to write stories. Grown ups can submit [e-mail] and remember, we respect to every single story we receive. That was Roll Call. That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening and a big thanks to today's author, Catherine. We'll be back later in the week with another brand new episode. Until then, stay creative and stay kind. Bye. The Story Pirates podcast is a production of Story Pirates Studios, executive produced by Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salk. 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. The gum was adapted by Megan o' Neill and features performances by Sarah Morganashi, Mark David, Craig Christensen, Brandon Jerko, Lindsey Ford, Peter McNerney, Megan O' Neil, and Tony Rodriguez. Today's episode was so good, I'm practically gumfounded. I'm firing myself.