The Little Man Who Powers Your Washing Machine/Squirrel Times News Paper

Summary

Story Pirates Podcast Episode Summary
Title: The Little Man Who Powers Your Washing Machine/Squirrel Times News Paper
Release Date: March 27, 2025

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Introduction

In this vibrant episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast, listeners are treated to two imaginative stories crafted by young authors, alongside a humorous and somewhat chaotic attempt at a book club discussion. The episode seamlessly blends sketch comedy, original songs, and insightful conversations, all aimed at inspiring creativity in both kids and adults.

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Segment 1: The Little Man Who Powers Your Washing Machine

Author: Annabelle, 11 years old from England
Timestamp: [04:19] – [08:41]

Annabelle introduces her whimsical tale, "The Little Man Who Powers Your Washing Machine," a story set in a time when dirty clothes plagued the earth until the invention of the washing machine brought about a revolution in hygiene. The narrative humorously personifies the washing machine, bringing it to life through the character of Little Man.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel: "[05:26] I admire its boxy shape."
• Little Man (Rachel): "[07:18] I'll just open up this door... I'm the little man who powers your washing machine and I live to fight your grease and grime."

The story combines playful dialogue and catchy lines, turning the mundane task of laundry into an adventurous saga. The hosts perform a catchy song encapsulating Little Man's role, enhancing the storytelling with humor and musicality.

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Segment 2: Attempted Book Club - Where We Go When We Go There

Hosts Involved: Megan, Lee, Eric, Peter, Rachel, and Nimini
Timestamp: [08:41] – [33:34]

Megan initiates a book club discussion on "Where We Go When We Go There," a 647-page novel with notably small print. The segment quickly devolves into a comedic exchange as it becomes apparent that most participants, including Megan and Lee, did not read the book. Eric admits, "[10:25] I'm sorry I didn't read Where We Go When We Go There."

The initial frustration leads Megan to dramatically cancel the book club, only to later attempt to salvage the situation by urging everyone to read and discuss the book. Eventually, Rachel joins the conversation, contributing to the discussion, albeit humorously reiterating her lack of preparation: "[17:45] The part?"

This segment showcases the hosts' chemistry and their ability to turn a simple book club meeting into an entertaining and relatable skit about procrastination and group dynamics.

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Segment 3: Squirrel Times Newspaper

Author: Jackie, 9 years old from England
Timestamp: [19:10] – [27:16]

Jackie presents "Squirrel Times Newspaper," a charming story set in Squirrelvale, where squirrels run a bustling newspaper factory inside a willow tree. The narrative follows Dave, a young squirrel reporter, as he embarks on a quest to retrieve stolen stories from Billy, a dragon residing atop Bobbly Roly Poly Moly Mountain.

Notable Quotes:

• Nimini (Dave): "[21:20] I know I can do it, dad. And I know just where to look. To the mayor's office."
• Billy the Dragon: "[23:44] Squirrel Times newspaper? I have no idea what you're talking about."

The story combines elements of adventure, humor, and heartfelt determination, culminating in Dave negotiating with Billy to return the stolen stories in exchange for delivering the Squirrel Times newspaper to him. The hosts bring the story to life with expressive performances, capturing the essence of each character.

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Segment 4: Conversation with the Author

Guest: Annabelle, Author of "The Little Man Who Powers Your Washing Machine"
Timestamp: [27:29] – [33:34]

Post-storytelling, Lee engages in an insightful dialogue with Annabelle, delving into the creative process behind her narrative. Annabelle discusses the responsibilities of a reporter, the importance of truth in journalism, and the challenges of creating believable yet fantastical stories.

Notable Quotes:

• Annabelle: "[28:00] 'Confusion is the step before curiosity.'"
• Lee: "[31:01] It can be hard... but it's actually the most fun part."

This conversation highlights Annabelle's maturity and understanding of both storytelling and real-world journalism, providing listeners with valuable perspectives on creativity and integrity.

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Segment 5: Roll Call - Listener-Submitted Stories

Timestamp: [33:42] – [37:54]

The Roll Call segment showcases a selection of stories submitted by young listeners, each bursting with creativity and humor.

1. Ruthie, 10 years old from New York: "The Hamster Who Rode a Sloth"

   • A bizarre and delightful tale featuring a cat from Mars and a goose named Shanty.

2. Cly, 6 years old from Montana: "Wear Your Hat Day"

   • A humorous story where hats are worn on feet, turning societal norms upside down.

3. Lucy, 9 years old from New Jersey: "The Creature That Lives in a Box"

   • An imaginative narrative about a mysterious creature operating garage entry systems.

Notable Quote:

• Lee: "[36:44] Hats are one of the most naturally funny things that we have in society... Kly, I love your story."

The hosts provide enthusiastic feedback, encouraging young authors to continue nurturing their inventive minds.

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Segment 6: Humorous Skit - Pu Eater Cooking Show

Host: Peter McNerney
Timestamp: [39:16] – [41:22]

Adding a humorous twist, Peter McNerney parodies a cooking show in the fictional segment "Pu Eater." He whimsically describes the process of "cooking" a book, incorporating absurd steps like seasoning literature with paprika and shaking pages in barbecue sauce. The segment concludes with a comical struggle to "eat" the leather-bound book, eliciting amusing reactions from the other hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter: "[40:27] Prepare a bowl full of butter and barbecue sauce... That's sticky."
• Eric: "[41:22] Now for the prologue. This is gonna take a while."

This skit serves as a lighthearted finale, showcasing the hosts' playful interactions and ability to infuse humor into every aspect of the episode.

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Conclusion

This episode of Story Pirates masterfully blends storytelling, comedy, and interactive discussions, celebrating the boundless creativity of young writers. Through engaging performances and witty dialogues, the hosts not only entertain but also inspire listeners to embrace their own imaginative voices.

Final Notable Quote:

• Rachel: "[33:04] We read them all. You know we love them."

Listeners are encouraged to submit their own stories, fostering a community of creativity and shared narratives.

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Stay Creative and Stay Kind!

For more stories and to submit your own, visit storypirates.com.

Transcript

[Lee]

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee, here. On today's episode, Rachel starts a book club. You know, where a bunch of people read the same book and then get together to talk about it. And everyone involved definitely finishes the book in time, just like they agreed to. Yeah, for sure. And we also have two brand new stories written by kids, of course. Grown Ups. Did you know that ads only cover a small part of what it cost to make this show? It's true. So if you'd like to help us keep making it, consider supporting Story Pirates by becoming a creator club member. There are so many perks, including the ad free version of the show and bonus episodes. Premium members 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 single week. If you're already a creator club member. Thank you so, so much. And if you'd like to join, you can do so by visiting storypirates.com Creator Club or by subscribing in Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Two brand new stories and a very prepared book club. Coming up right after a few words for the grownups. Hey, grown ups. Today's episode is brought to you by DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse on Netflix. With a little magic in a daily dollhouse delivery, Gabby's Dollhouse leads kids room to room through a fantastical dollhouse. With mini worlds, irresistible kiddie characters, and delightfully quirky adventures. It's the ultimate in dollhouse wish fulfillment. Shrinking down and playing inside your own magical dollhouse world. So, grown ups, check out the new season of DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse right now on Netflix. And don't miss the new Gabby's Dollhouse playset from Spin Master called the Kitty Care Ear. Perfect playroom. My daughter loves it. And thanks to DreamWorks for supporting the show. Oh, hey, Eric. How's it going?

[Eric]

Hey, Lee. Pretty good, pretty good. You know, I recently took up welding, so.

[Rachel]

Wow.

[Eric]

I took up welding, so I've been doing just a ton of welding.

[Peter]

How cool.

[Lee]

I actually just started.

[Megan]

Yikes.

[Lee]

What I was gonna say was I just started knitting and I made a.

[Rachel]

No.

[Megan]

Oh, no hat. No, no, no, no, no.

[Eric]

Rachel, you want to tell us what's going on over there?

[Megan]

Oh, sorry. I was so swept up in the final pages of my book.

[Eric]

Oh, what book are you reading?

[Megan]

I'm reading the book we're all reading for book club. You know, the book Club I started where we all read the same book.

[Lee]

Oh, yeah, of course.

[Megan]

Just give me one second. The end. Whew. Finished. And just in time for our book club meeting.

[Eric]

Right, because that's today. Sure.

[Megan]

And it starts in five minutes.

[Eric]

Great. Cool. I read the book, so that's awesome.

[Megan]

See you there. Can't wait to discuss every inch of this beautiful book.

[Rachel]

I love storytelling.

[Annabelle]

I'm very different from everybody. Confusion is the step before curiosity.

[Jackie]

Okay, that's.

[Annabelle]

That's a really funny idea. We have to send that in. If you say lollipops are growing out of trees, everyone's not going to believe you. I believe all the things in my story. Human beings are just able to create the story. Pirates.

[Lee]

Welcome back to the Story Pirates podcast.

[Megan]

Everybody, where we take stories written by.

[Eric]

Kids and turned them into sketch comedy and songs.

[Megan]

And we're also about to have our first ever book club meeting soon.

[Eric]

But why don't we just do a story first? And here to introduce it is the author.

[Annabelle]

Hi, my name is Annabelle. I'm 11 years old and I live in England. And this is my story. The little man who powers your washing machine.

[Lee]

Deep in the misty eons of time, dirty socks and stained aprons ruled the earth. Ketchup stains persisted. Sweaty musk lingered in the cool breeze of twilight. Until one day, humankind birthed unto us an invention that was destined to change the face of hygiene forever. The washing machine.

[Annabelle]

It's incredible.

[Lee]

What could it be?

[Rachel]

I like the little toy.

[Lee]

I admire its boxy shape.

[Rachel]

But what is this thing for?

[Lee]

Well, you put it in your dirty clothes, and then you turn it on and get your clothes all wet.

[Rachel]

And that's it.

[Lee]

Oh, all right.

[Nimini]

I kinda hoped it would help us clean these dirty clothes.

[Peter]

Haven't figured that part out yet.

[Rachel]

Maybe I could help. Hey, everybody. What's going on? There's something that you need to know.

[Lee]

Well, oh, well, oh, well, oh, what?

[Rachel]

Do you remember that Olympian who won every single race three times in a row? We do. Well, his name was Little man. And that little man was me.

[Megan]

You look familiar.

[Rachel]

And I've got an idea that'll make our clothes a little less dirty. You see, I noticed the inside of this washing machine is wheel shaped, just like Jeffrey's wheel.

[Megan]

Who's Jeffrey?

[Rachel]

My hamster.

[Megan]

Oh.

[Rachel]

Gonna treat this washer like a hamster wheel Running just as fast as I can sing it Spin it up, scrub it up Wash it up, little man wash it in. He's agitating all your shirts, your cargo pants and your denim skir Your socks are getting all so clean. I think I fixed this washing machine. Washing machine. Little man. Dante, come on out. What are you waiting for? Wella. Well.

[Lee]

Oh, well.

[Annabelle]

Oh.

[Eric]

What?

[Rachel]

Okay, everyone, here I come. I'll just open up this door. I said open up this door.

[Lee]

This door. Door. It's stuck.

[Rachel]

Oh, no. Well, I guess I'll just stay inside until the end of time. I'm the little man who powers your washing machine and I live to fight your grease and grime.

[Peter]

We're honored that you'd spend your life.

[Rachel]

Inside this metal can.

[Lee]

So put your washing machine on with very little clothes in it and wait for it to spin very fast. Back of the washing machine you may see that little man.

[Rachel]

What does he eat?

[Billy]

Nobody knows.

[Annabelle]

When does he sleep?

[Rachel]

Nobody knows.

[Jackie]

Where does he pee?

[Rachel]

Nobody knows. But I'm really good at washing your clothes. Yes, he's really good at washing your clothes. That's right. So next time you turn your washer on, remember how my story began. Singing Spin it up Scrub it up Wash it up Leave it up Laugh it up up Love it up Spin it up Scrub it up Wash it up, Little man.

[Megan]

Okay, enough talking about the story. It's time to talk about the book. Come on, everyone, settle in for book club. I set up a bunch of cozy chairs and pillows and blankets. So get comfortable. All right, let's get to it. Oh, and please help yourself to some cheese. I made it myself. You know how I used to be a cheesemonger.

[Lee]

I didn't know that.

[Megan]

Oh, sure. That was, let's see, right after I was a pancake historian and right before I was a chicken whisperer.

[Lee]

Huh? Of course.

[Megan]

So thank you all for being in my book club and for reading our first book that I very carefully selected, titled Where We Go When We Go There. To open our discussion. I'd like to know what your favorite part of the book was. Mine was the ending. I couldn't believe the dog found her way home after all that. What about you, Megan? I loved the beginning.

[Jackie]

Ooh, yeah.

[Lee]

The beginning. That was so very good place to start. Great.

[Nimini]

Oh, I loved the middle. Oh, I knew the middle.

[Megan]

I guess the middle.

[Peter]

Ah, mid.

[Lee]

I loved the COVID I mean, she.

[Peter]

Was such a Middle. And I loved the back of the book.

[Lee]

Incredible.

[Megan]

Back of the book. What about you, Eric?

[Eric]

I liked the part.

[Megan]

The part?

[Eric]

Yeah, you know, the part where the stuff happened.

[Peter]

Where which stuff happened? Oh, do you mean what happened on the back cover?

[Megan]

Or perhaps the stuff that happened at the beginning?

[Eric]

I can't remember.

[Lee]

Maybe you're thinking of the front cover?

[Eric]

No, I don't think so. I just. The part where I like the. I just. Okay, Rachel, I'm sorry I didn't read the book.

[Lee]

Gasp.

[Megan]

You didn't read Where We Go When We Go there?

[Lee]

Why?

[Eric]

I mean, I was really busy this month. You know, I recently got into welding. Also, I recently put out a newsletter which has been a huge chore because my four readers are absolutely clamoring for more. And I'm only halfway through the other book I'm reading, which is called How Do We Get Here When We Came to Here. So I didn't really have time to read Where We Go When We Go to There.

[Megan]

Oh, okay. I was just so excited to read the novel Where We Go When We Go There with all my nearest and dearest coworkers.

[Eric]

I'm really sorry. Next month I'll read the book. For now, I'll just be really supportive while the rest of you discuss.

[Megan]

Sounds good. You know what? I forgive you. Let's move on. Now, I'd love if everyone could talk about their favorite part of the book in great detail. Lee.

[Lee]

Oh, yes. Okay. Yeah. Like I said, I love the COVID and I loved it because the picture was so nice.

[Megan]

But the COVID of the book is blank. It's just white. It doesn't even have a title. That's what Where We Go When We Go There is known for.

[Lee]

Yeah, right. Of course. I knew that. That's what I meant.

[Megan]

Megan, what about you? Can you tell me what the book is about in great detail? Right, yes, the book is about. Well, I just wanted to say first that I liked the part. The same part that Eric liked? Yes, but Eric didn't read the book and neither did I. Wow, it feels good to get that out.

[Lee]

I also didn't read the book.

[Megan]

Woo.

[Lee]

Wow. Glad that's out in the open, Nimini.

[Nimini]

Well, of course I didn't read the book.

[Megan]

Okay, well, there's no way Peter read the book. He probably ate the book.

[Lee]

Whoa.

[Peter]

Okay, that's not fair. I only ate one chapter.

[Megan]

So none of you read the book? No, but my book club. I just wanted to have a nice time.

[Lee]

We're sorry, Rachel, but why don't we just enjoy the cheese you mongered and promise to read the book for next month's book club?

[Megan]

No, no, no. Book club is cancelled forever.

[Annabelle]

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

[Lee]

Hey, grown ups. Today's episode is brought to you by DreamWorks. Gabby's Dollhouse on Netflix with a little magic and a daily dollhouse delivery. Gabby's Dollhouse leads kids room to room through a fantastical dollhouse with mini worlds, irresistible kiddie characters, and delightfully quirky adventures. It's the ultimate in dollhouse wish fulfillment, shrinking down and playing inside your own magical dollhouse world. I love Gabby's Dollhouse because having a growth mindset is at the core of episodes and encourages children to have flexible thinking so they can learn from mistakes and solve problems. Also, who could deny characters with names like Marty the Party Cat, Pandy Paws, Cakey and DJ Catnip? I for sure can't deny them. Could you? I dare you to see. You can't. So grown ups. Check out the new season of DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse right now on Netflix. And don't miss the new Gabby's Dollhouse playset from Spin Master called the Kitty Care Ear. Perfect Playroom. My daughter loves it and thanks to DreamWorks for supporting the show.

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[Megan]

Well, I'm leaving now since no one read where we go when we go there. I am going to sleep. I guess it's 10am oh is it? Because in my heart it is night. Goodbye.

[Eric]

Ugh, I feel terrible.

[Megan]

Me too. We should have read the book.

[Nimini]

Yeah, it was just so long.

[Eric]

Yes, 647 pages is kinda long for a book club pick.

[Megan]

And the writing was shockingly Small. I almost pulled out a magnifying glass.

[Peter]

And that one chapter, surprisingly chewy. Well, shall we eat? I mean, do another story?

[Eric]

No, Peter, we need to make this right. We need to read the book. Does everyone agree?

[Lee]

Oh, yeah, totally.

[Eric]

All right, everyone, let's read.

[Megan]

Wow.

[Eric]

Okay. Interesting.

[Lee]

Didn't see that coming. What a twist.

[Rachel]

Ow.

[Eric]

Papery. I'm done.

[Peter]

Me too. Just finished. Excuse me.

[Eric]

Let's call Rachel in. Rachel?

[Megan]

Yes.

[Nimini]

Oh, woah.

[Megan]

There you all are. I haven't seen any of you in, like, 18 days.

[Lee]

We were finishing the book. You know where we go when we go there?

[Megan]

Oh, and we're ready to discuss.

[Nimini]

My favorite part was when the dog runs away from its boy and ends up in Paris and he works as.

[Lee]

A mime to pay for an apartment near the Champs de Lysees. I loved when the dog accidentally got elected as the president of France and.

[Megan]

The first thing he did as president was replace the Eiffel Tower with the giant fire hydrant.

[Eric]

And I actually cried when the city all came together to put a painting of the dog in the Louvre right next to the Mona Lisa.

[Lee]

Oh, gosh, that sounds satisfying.

[Peter]

And I thought it was all a really fascinating allegory for the American dream and the ways in which we are all constantly striving for something that is just out of reach. Also, that last scene was perfectly al dente.

[Megan]

Wow. You really did all read the book. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

[Eric]

Anytime. So what were your favorite details?

[Megan]

Oh, you know, I loved the part.

[Eric]

The part?

[Megan]

The part where the stuff happened.

[Eric]

The stuff?

[Megan]

Rachel, did you not read the book? I'm sorry, I just read the last page.

[Lee]

What?

[Eric]

But you were so mad when none of us read it.

[Megan]

Yeah, because I needed you to tell me about it in great detail so I could pretend to have read it in my other book club.

[Jackie]

What?

[Lee]

Ugh.

[Megan]

Smitty started a book club? That's him and me and some of the guys from the marketing department.

[Peter]

We have a marketing department?

[Megan]

Of course. They're next to accounting.

[Lee]

We have accounting?

[Megan]

Anyway, the book was so long and the writing was so small, so I figured I'd just ask you guys to read it and then tell me about it.

[Eric]

That's ridiculous. You can't use our ideas for your other book club.

[Megan]

Oh, that other book club happened days ago. I just told them I liked the COVID and they were like, that's fine. Wow, I am frustrated. But also, I have to say I'm glad I read the book.

[Lee]

Same.

[Nimini]

I liked it.

[Eric]

Me too.

[Peter]

Me three.

[Megan]

Cool. Sounds like a good Book. Maybe I'll give it a read. Kay, well, I gotta go. You know how I'm a doctor. Well, I have to go. Perform several surgeries. Taken merc from a counting spleen. Bye.

[Eric]

What's Rachel's deal?

[Lee]

No quiz.

[Megan]

I have no idea.

[Lee]

Anyway, I've gotta shave this 18 day beard off. But should we do a story first?

[Eric]

Yeah.

[Lee]

And here to introduce it is the author.

[Annabelle]

Hi, my name is Jackie. I'm nine years old and I live in England. And this is my story Scroll Times newspaper.

[Lee]

Whoa.

[Nimini]

So this is the newspaper factory where the Squirrel Times newspaper gets made?

[Jackie]

That's right, Dave. The number one newspaper in Squirrelvale is made right here inside of a willow tree. I'm so happy that you wanted to join your old dad at work for the day.

[Nimini]

Of course I did, dad. You're JJDJ junior. I hope one day I can be a top writer like you.

[Jackie]

Or like your grandpa, J.J.D.J. sR. Hello, dad. What are you doing here? I thought you retired.

[Lee]

I did.

[Eric]

I'm just here for the free acorn tea.

[Jackie]

Well, you've earned it. Now it's almost time for our reporter meeting where all our top reporters pitch their news stories. Here come two of our top reporters, Nutwort and Burnseed.

[Nimini]

Check out the scoop oak tree on Oak Avenue.

[Lee]

Not an oak.

[Peter]

Good scoop, Nutword. But not as good as my scoop. Squirrel chasing dog sentenced to three days of no belly rubs.

[Nimini]

Wow. I wish I could be a great reporter like all of you. But I'm so young and small.

[Jackie]

We all started from humble beginnings, son. But if you put your mind to it, you too can become a top newspaper writer. Yeah. All you have to do is get a good story from the big story pile.

[Nimini]

The biggest.

[Jackie]

That's right, Dave. Most squirrels store acorns, but we squirrel reporters store news.

[Nimini]

Come on, kid.

[Jackie]

We'll show you the story pile. That's right. Over.

[Lee]

Oh, no.

[Peter]

The story pile. It's empty.

[Jackie]

And if the story pile is empty, everything is gonna go haywire. Oh, no. This is terrible. Someone has stolen all of her stories. And without interesting stories to write about, we have no choice but to shut down the Squirrel Times newspaper.

[Nimini]

No. Then I'll never be a reporter. Dad, I know I'm small and young, but maybe I can help. Since I'm the only one who isn't panicking, maybe I can go out and search for news stories.

[Jackie]

Great idea, son. Not to put too much pressure on you, but you're the only one who can save us. I'll stay here and keep these reporters from destroying the factory.

[Nimini]

I know I can do it, dad. And I know just where to look. To the mayor's office.

[Lee]

Hello. Welcome to the mayor's office. My, aren't you small and young.

[Nimini]

I'm Dave, a reporter with the squirrel times newspaper. I've been looking for a news story, but all the stories around Squirrelyvale have gone missing.

[Lee]

Missing, eh? That's not good. Luckily, I keep the most important Squirrelyvale news stories right here in this chest.

[Nimini]

I knew I came to the right place.

[Lee]

Here, let me grab the key and unlock the story chest. Oh, no. The chest is empty. There's only one creature that could steal stories from my chest. The dragon who lives on top of Bobbly Roly Poly Moly mountain.

[Nimini]

It must have been the dragon that stole all the rest of the stories, too. Looks like I have to go to the top of that mountain and get our stories back.

[Lee]

Ah, youth. All right, Dave. Good luck on your quest. Up Bobbly Roly Poly Moly Mountain.

[Nimini]

Here I am on Bobbly Roly Poly Moly Mountain. And there's the dragon's cave. I'm going to sneak my way in just through this little crack. And I'm in. Oh, my gosh. There's the dragon. He's huge. And he's sleeping on top of a giant pile of papers. Those papers must be the Squirrelyvale stories. I'll just sneak a little closer.

[Rachel]

Aha.

[Nimini]

These are the missing stories. Squirrel boy breaks hot air balloon record for most acorn in a balloon basket. Squirrely Veil Mayor declares chipmunks a menace. Squirrely Veil Stories go missing. Squirrel Mayor suspects dragon. Now to get them before the dragon wakes up.

[Billy]

Who dares disturb my slumber?

[Nimini]

Ah, I woke up the dragon.

[Billy]

Yes, it is I, the fearsome dragon who lives atop Bobbly Roly Poly Moly mountain. You have awakened me. And now you shall know the wrath of Billy.

[Nimini]

Billy? Is that your name?

[Billy]

Yes. Why do you ask?

[Nimini]

Well, it's not exactly what I'd expect for the name of a fearsome dragon.

[Billy]

Oh, and I suppose your name is better?

[Nimini]

I'm Dave.

[Billy]

Dave. Actually, that's pretty nice. You have trespassed in my cave. Now you shall pay the ultimate price.

[Lee]

Wait. Oh, what now?

[Nimini]

I noticed that you're sitting on top of a pile of interesting things to write about.

[Lee]

Indeed.

[Billy]

Aren't they amazing? This one right here is about a squirrel soccer team that was rescued from a collapsed acorn mine. Fascinating stuff. And it's all mine.

[Nimini]

Well, actually, Mr. Billy, the dragon, sir, they're not yours. You stole them From Squirrely Veil?

[Billy]

Yes, I did.

[Nimini]

Can we have them back?

[Billy]

No.

[Nimini]

Please. It's for the Squirrel Times newspaper.

[Billy]

Squirrel Times newspaper? I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Nimini]

You've never heard of us.

[Billy]

We don't get any newspapers on Bobbly Rolly Poly Moly Mountain. And frankly, I'm bored to tears. That's why I took the stories. Now back to your doom.

[Annabelle]

Wait.

[Nimini]

If I could get the Squirrel Times newspaper delivered to you here on Bobbly Rolly Poly Moly Mountain, would you give us your stories back?

[Billy]

I suppose if I had access to high quality local journalism, I wouldn't need to hoard these interesting stories. So, yes, small and young squirrel, bring me your newspaper, and I shall not only give you your stories back, but also share stories I found from other places.

[Nimini]

Thanks, Billy. You won't regret it. Time to head back to the newspaper factory.

[Jackie]

You're acting like a bunch of chipmunks. Come on now, squirrels. Please calm yourselves. We can't. JJDJ Jr. It's over.

[Nimini]

The Squirrel Times is doomed.

[Peter]

We'll have to start our own email newsletters.

[Nimini]

Not on my watch.

[Lee]

It's Dave.

[Nimini]

Did you find her stories?

[Megan]

Yep.

[Nimini]

But now we need to send our daily Squirrel Times newspaper all over the globe. If we want our newspaper to survive, we need to expand our reach and increase circulation. It's good journalism and good business.

[Jackie]

Wise words from a small, young squirrel. Well, son, people all over the globe are gonna get the Squirrel Times newspaper. But what's the use? We still don't have anything to write about.

[Billy]

Are you sure about that?

[Jackie]

Oh, my gosh.

[Lee]

A dragon.

[Billy]

Not just any dragon. My name is Billy.

[Jackie]

Billy? Is that like your. Your birth name?

[Billy]

It's a good name. Dave. Thank you for sending me the Squirrel Times. It's fascinating. And so I am here to return your stories, as well as give you new interesting things to write about.

[Jackie]

Look. Stars have fallen from the sky. This one's about a Skrull kid saving the day by calling the Skrull authorities.

[Eric]

I'm sorry, but is no one gonna.

[Peter]

Write about the literal dragon raining down stories? Is that not in and of itself an interesting story?

[Jackie]

Quiet, dad. Dave, you've done it. Despite your small size and young age, you've got what it takes to be a top newspaper writer. Say, ever think about changing your name to JJDJ iii?

[Nimini]

Um, no, thanks. I'll stick with Dave.

[Jackie]

Guess I had my chance when you were born. The end.

[Megan]

And now Lee speaks with the author.

[Lee]

So, Jackie, you wrote Squirrel Times Newspaper?

[Annabelle]

Yeah, I did.

[Lee]

Do you Read the newspaper in your life or does anyone in your family read it?

[Annabelle]

When I go to my grandparents house they like get the newspaper a lot and like I normally read the newspaper then. It's a really cool newspaper because it's like an interactive way where thousands of people are getting the exact same memo and there's really interesting stuff inside.

[Lee]

I love that description of a newspaper.

[Annabelle]

Thank you.

[Lee]

So a lot of your story is about Dave looking for a story to write about. How do you think reporters in the real world find the stories that they want to write about?

[Annabelle]

Well, I've got two visions. One is I think they probably like they take long walks, they look around, they check like weather forecast and see if there's going to be like a hail storm and then they're prepared or I think people come, they find something interesting and then like oh we should call the news and then they call the reporter.

[Lee]

It's kind of sounds like an exciting job, doesn't it?

[Annabelle]

Yeah, it's kind of cool because you like know what's going on in the world and you're like oh this is happening. And it's kind of nerve wracking because you have to remember all these lines and if you mess up, you're on live and there are tons of people watching you at once and you know if you say lollipops are growing out of trees, everyone's not going to believe you.

[Lee]

It sounds like it's a lot of responsibility.

[Annabelle]

Yeah, because sometimes, especially when you're younger, you kind of want everyone to think you're really like calling you like have a sense of everything and they feel like, oh, should I say that this exploding fountain, if you drink you get wings? Well, probably not, but they would, they would have a pressure to twist it to make it more exciting.

[Lee]

What do you think makes them stop short of making things more exciting when it's not true?

[Annabelle]

Like imagine you said a meteor is about to hit us and you forgot that every time something from space comes down it gets smaller and it loses bit soft and then you want the whole city, everyone's panicked and they abandoning their houses and running away and they do whatever it takes that the news tell them.

[Lee]

Lots of people are going to be making decisions based on what you say and to make sure everybody stays safe and you have to be as truthful as possible.

[Annabelle]

Yeah.

[Lee]

Are there ever consequences for a reporter telling the truth if there's one person.

[Annabelle]

Who has been telling everyone that something's correct but it's not true and then another person's like Wait, this isn't true. And then they tell them the truth. I think people can get quite confused, and then it would be better if you just, like, told everyone that that's wrong and you showed proof. Another reason is that sometimes people believe something's going to happen, maybe superstition, and they can get really offended if someone's like, there's no pot of gold at the end of a rainbow or something like that.

[Lee]

Wow, Jackie, you have thought a lot about this.

[Annabelle]

Thank you.

[Lee]

Well, why don't you be a real journalist right now and ask me some questions? What do you want to know?

[Annabelle]

So. So since you're kind of part actor because you have to perform the stories.

[Lee]

Sure.

[Annabelle]

Does it feel quite interesting or sometimes even hard to find out this story and make it into something really big and then act it out?

[Lee]

It can be hard, you know, to separate my role as, like, a producer and then as an actor, you know, I sort of have to switch my mind around and put on a different hat, so to speak.

[Annabelle]

Is it sort of hard? Because I bet, like, you and other story pilots have very different ideas of how the story goes. Did you ever kind of, like, disagree on how a story should end or what should, like, happen or something?

[Lee]

Absolutely. But I'll tell you, that's actually the most fun part. It's really like playing. We might disagree, but people won't get, like, mad, you know?

[Annabelle]

Yeah. Because everyone has their own opinion.

[Lee]

Everyone has their own opinion. The fun part is trying to figure out what's our idea. Like that sort of sits in between both of us, that we can both build together.

[Annabelle]

I got one last question.

[Lee]

Sure.

[Annabelle]

Is it ever hard or does it feel more easy to act without a set or like, without a really detailed picture drawn for you or without, I don't know, people seeing what's happening on. If I, for example, I said, oh, look at this cat. You know, you don't know what type of cat it is where you are, and you can get really confused. So is it ever hard to kind of generate that? And it's hard to act it out without sex?

[Lee]

I think for some people, that is probably true, but for me personally, not having those things and having them all exist entirely in my own imagination is more powerful than actually seeing it. We're asking all the listeners to use their imaginations as well. And when you turn your imagination on, it's like a very, very powerful engine.

[Annabelle]

Yeah, I get that. Yeah, I really do get that.

[Lee]

Jackie, you are an incredible reporter.

[Annabelle]

Thank you.

[Lee]

You were asking me really detailed, insightful Questions. I feel like now you could write an article about it.

[Annabelle]

Yeah, I could.

[Lee]

Well, I think no matter what you want to be when you grow up, I think you would be a very talented reporter. And probably that skill would translate into whatever it is that you end up doing.

[Nimini]

Thank you.

[Lee]

Thank you very much, Jackie. This has been such a pleasure to speak with you today.

[Annabelle]

You too.

[Lee]

Bye, Jackie.

[Annabelle]

Bye, Lee.

[Lee]

And now it's time for story pirates. Roll call. Send us your story. We read them all.

[Rachel]

We read them all. You know we love them.

[Lee]

First up from 10 year old Ruthie in New York, we have a story called the hamster who rode a sloth featuring cottage cheat. And this is definitely one of the weirdest stories we've received in a while. And weird equals good. Here's the very beginning of the story just to give you a flavor. Ahem. Psst. Hey you, reader. Come here. No, not you. The cat from Mars sitting next to you in algebra class. No, not Mr. Munchie, the good looking one who's also a goose named Shanty Empty Beard pants Stuart Dennis, bald guy, Dr. Goosey Duck, loony undies slabber about the 9999th who's wearing a beanie and bow tie. And the bow tie is actually an uncooked piece of bow tie pasta. That should give you a sense of where this story is going. You have got to read this whole thing, Ruthie. Incredible work, my friend. Next up from 6 year old Cly in Montana, we have wear your hat day. Now, if you ask me, hats are one of the most naturally funny things that we have in society. They are this weird shape. You wear it on your head. They don't always seem to make sense and they always look a little bit silly. Well, Kly understands this as well, because things get even sillier in this story. People don't just wear hats on their heads. In fact, most people wear them on their feet, which is very strange. Kly, I love your story. Thank you for sending it in, my friend. And finally, from nine year old Lucy in New Jersey, we have a story called the creature that lives in a box. Now, have you ever been in a car that needed to get into a garage by inserting a card into a little box that then the gate opens and lets you in? Do you know what I'm talking about? If you know what I'm talking about, then you know the boxes where those cards go are extremely mysterious. And what Lucy has done in her story is do some incredible world building around this box that people put cards into. So that they can get into garages. She has created a creature that lives inside this box and operates it and a whole backstory about how she got there and what happens when she leaves for the first time. This is a very long and very detailed and beautifully written story, Lucy. I love it, and I hope all of our listeners will go and and read the whole thing. To read all of today's Roll Call stories, just head to storypirates.com that was.

[Rachel]

Roll Call.

[Lee]

And now it's time for you to write us a story. And if you don't know where to start, here's an idea. Take a picture of something normal and then make up a story of what you imagine could be happening in the picture. Kind of like this from Annabelle, the author of the little man who powers your washing machine. So, Annabelle, can you describe your picture for me?

[Annabelle]

It's a photo of my very dirty desk, which I cleaned today.

[Lee]

Okay, I can see that. And what's your story idea for what could be happening in the picture?

[Annabelle]

It's a bunch of different tribes of like, paper and pencils and scissors, and they're all fighting for control over the desk.

[Lee]

You see, listeners, sometimes writing a story is about finding an image that inspires you. Grownups can submit [e-mail] and remember, we respond to every single story we receive. That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening and a big thanks to today's authors, Annabelle and Jackie. We'll be back next week with another episode. Until then, stay creative and stay kind.

[Rachel]

By Lee.

[Lee]

The Story Pirates podcast is a production of Story Pirate 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 Be Bear at the Relic Room in New York City. Theme song by Bobby Lord. Roll Call theme by Andrew Barbado. Musical scoring by Eric Gerson and Jack Mitchell. Our head writers are Rachel Winitsky and David Sidorov. Contributing writers are Peter McNerney, Lee Overtree, and Alexis Simpson. Production coordination by Denisa Wortenbe. Episode artwork by Camilla Frank. This episode features performances by PJ Asima, Eric Austin, Eli Bolin, Dewey Cadell, Ryan Chittupong, Allison Braska, Sherry Lane, Peter McNerney, Jack Mitchell, Emily Olcott, Megan O'Neill, Julia Schroeder, Rachel Winiski, Steve White, and Nimini Ware. The little man who powers your washing machine was written and produced by Eli Bolen and Mike Petrie.

[Peter]

Welcome back, listeners, to my new Cooking show. My name is Peter, and I am an eater. So this show is, of course, called Pu Eater. Today on Puater, we're crafting a slow, braised book dish infused with rich literary flavors. Let's get started. Step one, selecting your book. I like to choose a book that I enjoyed reading but will never want to read ever again, because after you cook it, you won't be able to read it anymore. Fun tip. Avoid paperbacks if you want that extra challenge. No one likes a meal that's easy to eat. Step two, preparation. We begin by gently separating the chapters and seasoning the complex literature with some complex flavors. Personally, I like to add a little paprika, and by a little, I mean a lot. Also some turmeric, parsley, dill, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, mint, thyme, rosemary, and dirt. The braise. Prepare a bowl full of butter and barbecue sauce and frankly, any other liquids you have in your fridge. You're not gonna want to heat anything or use a stove for this. You just want to shake the book around in the sauce for a few seconds, get the pages nice and unturnable. There we go. That's sticky. And finally, step five, presentation. Now, remember, you eat with your eyes first, so let's garnish with some fresh herbs from the garden. Ah, there we go. One giant pine cone. And there you have it. A wonderful meal fit for a king or at least a bookworm. Thanks for joining me for this episode of Pu Eater. Until next time, remember, my name's Peter and I am an eater, so this show is called Pot Eater.

[Lee]

Bye.

[Peter]

Now to eat this book. Oh, that's leather bound. That's stomach bound. Oh, crunchy pine cone. You will not defeat me.

[Jackie]

Book.

[Eric]

Table of contents down. Now for the prologue. This is gonna take a while.