Story Pirates – “The Kid That Has a Bad Name / Cats News” (April 2, 2026)
Episode Overview
In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, the Story Pirates team brings to life two brilliantly imaginative stories written by young authors: “The Kid That Has a Bad Name” by Emmett (age 9) and “Cats News” by Autumn (age 6). Meanwhile, a running storyline sees Megan confronting her latest insecurity (a bad review) by attempting to get her first driver's license—leading to comedic chaos and surprising life lessons. The show also features lively author interviews and a “Story Love” segment with more unique kid-generated tales.
Key Discussion Points & Segments
[01:21] Megan’s Driving Dilemma: The Lost Theater, the DMV, and Insecurity
- Megan, Eric, and Nimini arrive in Ohio so Megan can revisit her artistic roots at a beloved theater, only to find it’s been turned into a DMV.
- Humorous banter about why they're really at the DMV, exposing Megan’s obsession with reviews and her wish to heal old wounds by revisiting her ‘glory days.’
- Megan, lacking a license, is talked into taking the DMV test, shifting the episode into a mix of driving lessons and personal growth.
- Quote (Megan, 02:48): “Doth my eyes deceive me? That’s the Pence, Ohio Public Theater building. But instead of the old marquee out front, there’s a huge sign that says this is the DMV!”
- Quote (Eric, 02:14): “Wasn’t it more like we all drew straws and Eric and I got the short straws?”
- Nimini and Eric agree to help Megan, seeing it as a distraction from her negative spiral about the bad review.
[05:08] Story #1: “The Kid That Has a Bad Name” by Emmett (age 9, CA)
Story Summary
- A young boy is burdened by his unusual name: “Do you like hot dogs?”
- Everyday situations (attendance roll call, cafeteria line) devolve into confusion as everyone answers the question rather than using his name.
- At home, his mom reassures him of the family tradition of odd names: “Your grandfather, who’s on first...”
- He realizes his name makes him unique—even if it’s sometimes inconvenient or misunderstood.
- At school, he inspires the principal to embrace his own infamous name: Principal Butt Face.
Notable Moments & Quotes
- Recurring Joke: Every attempt to use or ask about the protagonist’s name leads to the question, “Do you like hot dogs?” being answered literally.
- Quote (Mom, 10:14): “First of all, it’s tradition. You come from a long line of people with special names. Your father is named, ‘How’s it going?’”
- Quote (Principal, 12:03): “My name is Principal Butt Face.”
- Sketch is full of Abbott & Costello–style play on words, escalating confusion for everyone involved.
Author Interview [12:19]
- Lee asks Emmett about his inspiration—prompted by silly names he and his mom would invent, e.g., “Do you like hamburgers?”
- Playful meta-banter as Lee keeps responding literally to “Do you like hamburgers?” as if it’s a real question.
- Emmett explains more about the principal’s name and expresses his love for inventing ridiculous names.
[14:30] Megan’s Driving Test: Comedy of Errors and Personal Growth
- Megan preps for the road test with questionable answers (confusing left lane/right lane), admitting she’s never really driven—just acted like she has.
- When Megan tries to start the vehicle, chaos ensues (spins in a circle, pulls parking brake by accident).
- Eric suggests Megan take on the persona of “Nancy,” a Fast & Furious-esque character, to channel confidence.
- Quote (Eric, 18:06): “Your name is Nancy and you’re an undercover government agent sent to join the crew… and your catchphrase is, ‘I don’t play or pay fare.’”
[19:34] DMV Results: Triumph, Twist, and Heart
- Megan impressively aces the test only to learn she can’t get a license—she’s not a local resident (“Pence, Ohio residency required”).
- Moment of reflection: Megan realizes her worth doesn't depend on external reviews or tangible accomplishments.
- Shared appreciation between Megan and the DMV employee, who reveals a love for theater and Megan’s past as a performer.
- Quote (DMV Employee, 25:02): “I only saw [your show] like 30 times. I love the theater and especially loved your production.”
[27:27] Story #2: “Cats News” by Autumn (age 6, MA)
Story Summary
- A news program for cats, starring feline anchors Joe and Mia, covers stories for “cats and kittens.”
- Gags about Joe insisting he’s not wearing a tutu, absurd live reports (cat swimming in a pool and hating it, the eternal mystery of the green laser dot).
- Sports: “The Pouncers and the Itty Bitty Kitties tied for the championship after both teams got bored and laid down on the field.”
- Weather segment is derailed as the meteorologist, Muffins, chases the animated weather-map graphics.
- The story of the elusive green dot escalates and ends with the “pet cat” favoring Mia over Joe.
- Finale: news team chaos, playful arguments, and the show signs off with “Good night and good lick.”
Notable Moments & Quotes
- Quote (Joe, 33:41): “Yes, it’s been an emotional day. I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m wearing a tutu.”
- Quote (Narrator, 31:39): “And he’s chasing the graphics on the animated weather map again. I'm gonna get you, little cloud!”
- Quote (Sports, 29:39): "The Pouncers and the Itty Bitty Kitties tied for the championship after both teams got bored and laid down on the field."
Author Interview [35:02]
- Autumn describes her real-life inspiration: her playful cat “Fanny” who’s always hiding in boxes.
- Lee asks Autumn to ‘meow’ to call her cat (which naturally does not work).
- Discussion about whether cats can have pet cats and why Joe wears a tutu.
- Quote (Autumn, 36:57): “Well, because he’s a ballerina and that’s his secret and he wasn’t supposed to be wearing it to his office.”
[37:32] Story Love Segment: Community Creativity
Three more inventive stories by kids are shared and discussed by Lee & Peter:
[38:01] “This Mirror is Definitely Not a Mirror” by Madeline (age 10, UK)
- A scuba-diving wizard’s magic mirror turns into ice cream, then a pink door, then a trap!
- Lee and Peter riff on "mirror world" and childhood theories of mirrors.
- Quote (Madeline): “I am Timmy Johnny alfie Robert the 39,565th, and I am also a scuba diving evil wizard professor.”
[42:28] “Jackson and His Dancing Pants” by Cameron (age 6, NC)
- Jackson’s dancing pants catch fire (dragon-related), he battles a crocodile, and makes newspaper headlines—all while accompanied by pet mouse Joey.
[44:17] “The Spider Who Got Lost” by Cohen (age 6, OR)
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A friendly spider and friends lose their way, party again upon return, with a humorous series of fake-out endings (“Just kidding! That’s not the end”).
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Lee and Peter celebrate the creativity, humor, and plot twists, encouraging kids to keep submitting stories.
Memorable Quotes
- Eric (about Megan's driving): “You spun us in a perfect circle. Just like they do in the Swift and Irritated movies. Some stunt people train for years to do that. I’d be impressed if I wasn’t so terrified.” (16:59)
- Megan (on her name): “Swoon and collapse.” (03:03)
- Lee (to Autumn): “If you were a reporter for Cats News Station, reporting about your cat, what would you talk about?” (35:23)
- Autumn (on why Joe’s pet cat likes Mia): “Because Joe mostly just cares more about his work. And Mia cares more about the nature around her.” (36:41)
Episode Structure & Key Segments
- [01:21] – Megan’s Ohio road trip & drive test begins
- [05:08] – Story 1: “The Kid That Has a Bad Name” (Emmett, 9)
- [12:19] – Author interview with Emmett
- [14:30] – Megan’s driving hijinks
- [19:34] – DMV results and reflection
- [27:27] – Story 2: “Cats News” (Autumn, 6)
- [35:02] – Author interview with Autumn
- [37:32] – Story Love: Bonus stories from more young authors
Takeaways
- Creativity has no age limit: Both Emmett and Autumn’s stories turn simple ideas (weird names; cats as news anchors) into comedy gold.
- Embracing individuality: The “bad name” story encourages kids to see their uniqueness as a strength.
- Resiliency and self-worth: Megan’s journey highlights the importance of inner achievements and memories over external validation.
- The power of community storytelling: The Story Love segment celebrates the sheer inventiveness of kids everywhere.
Final Thoughts
This episode is laugh-out-loud funny, inventive, and full of heart, with enough puns and twists to keep listeners of all ages engaged. The theme that emerges: whether you have a “bad name” or just locked your keys in a spaceship-car, what makes you special is your creativity and perseverance—and a willingness to laugh at life’s absurdities.