The Princess That Liked Ads

Summary

Story Pirates Podcast Episode Summary

Title: The Princess That Liked Ads
Host: Story Pirates
Release Date: May 15, 2025

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Introduction to the Story

In this delightful episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast, listeners are treated to a brand-new tale titled "The Princess That Liked Ads," crafted by 12-year-old Grace from Ontario. The hosts, Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salka, set the stage by pondering the effectiveness of communication within a kingdom, seamlessly transitioning into the narrative that challenges traditional perceptions of advertising through the eyes of a princess.

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The Princess That Liked Ads

Characters:

• Princess Harold: A bored and creative princess yearning for something more engaging than her royal duties.
• Ad Guy: A charismatic individual who specializes in creating advertisements.

Plot Overview: The story begins with Princess Harold expressing her frustration with the monotonous life of royalty. As Lee Overtree introduces Grace’s story, the princess laments her repetitive days filled with leisure activities but lacking meaningful responsibilities.

At timestamp [02:07], Princess Harold states:

"Ah, another wonderful day. Being a princess with nothing to do but run in a field of daisies, jump and play in the pool with my friends, and ride horses."

Her monotony leads her to seek solace in television, where she encounters commercials for the first time. Intrigued by their creativity, Princess Harold becomes enamored with the idea of making her own advertisements to alleviate her boredom.

At [02:36], Benjamin Salka as Princess Harold marvels:

"That commercial was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It was like a little movie about a vacuum. How are people not going nuts for these all the time?"

Determined to dive into the world of advertising, Princess Harold ascends a super tall mountain to meet the Ad Guy ([03:25]), who offers her the opportunity to create her own commercials. Their collaboration results in the first commercial, which Princess Harold anxiously anticipates will captivate her audience.

However, the initial attempt falls short of expectations. During a crucial charity event, Princess Harold discovers that her commercial did not attract the desired car donations, leading to the event's cancellation. Faced with this setback, she returns to the Ad Guy to craft a second, more impactful advertisement.

The revamped commercial successfully garners ample donations, illustrating the power of effective communication. Through this journey, Princess Harold learns a valuable lesson about the importance of considering others and using her voice responsibly.

At [08:50], Princess Harold compliments her creation:

"That commercial was magnificent."

Princess Harold concludes her adventure with a newfound appreciation for advertising's role in making meaningful connections beyond her personal interests.

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Roll Call: Celebrating Young Storytellers

Following the enchanting story, the Story Pirates hosts engage in the Roll Call segment, showcasing stories submitted by young listeners. This segment highlights the creativity and imagination of children, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to inspire young minds.

1. Emilia from Arizona – Worm's Dream
   Emilia presents a whimsical take on what a worm might dream about, including "dirt pizza" and other imaginative scenarios that resonate with both children and adults.

2. Zion from Tennessee – Turning Spiderwebs
   At just three years old, Zion shares a charming poem titled "Turning Spiderwebs." The poem captures a playful chase between a spider and a fly, culminating in a surprising and endearing twist at the end.

   Notable excerpt at [12:14]:

   "And then they chased and the spider was chasing the fly because the fly wasn't good. And then the fly was chasing the spider and then it was the end."

3. Nora from Romania – I Am Late
   Nora’s story, "I Am Late," is a humorous and ironic tale about a girl who, in her haste to arrive on time, inadvertently travels to an alien planet. Despite building a teleportation machine, she still ends up being late for her meeting, underscoring the unpredictability of time.

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Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salka express gratitude to Grace for her creative story and remind listeners to visit storypirates.com for more tales. They also encourage young listeners to submit their stories, fostering a community of creativity and storytelling.

At [15:21], Lee Overtree signs off:

"Thanks for listening. And a big thanks to today's author, Grace. We'll be back next week with part one of our big season seven finale."

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Notable Quotes:

• Princess Harold: "I'm worried about our commercial and how much people are going to love it when they see. See it." [05:04]
• Ad Guy: "Advertisements can be about anything you wish." [03:20]
• Princess Harold: "I learned that life isn't all about me. It's about commercials." [08:50]

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This episode masterfully blends humor, creativity, and a subtle lesson about communication and empathy, making it a standout installment in the Story Pirates series. Whether you're a child or an adult, the story of Princess Harold offers both entertainment and thoughtful reflection.

Transcript

[Lee Overtree]

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here. Have you ever wondered how you could improve communication around your kingdom? How do you let your subjects know about upcoming events? Shouldn't there be a better way for rulers like you? Oh, I'm sorry, you're not a princess. You don't have a kingdom. Okay, nevermind. But do mind today's brand new story about a princess who learns to like ads. Coming up after a few words for the grown ups.

[Benjamin Salka]

I love storytelling.

[Grace]

I'm very different from everybody.

[Benjamin Salka]

Confusion is the step before curiosity. Okay, that's a really funny idea. We have to send that in.

[Grace]

I just get some joy when I.

[Benjamin Salka]

Hear other people giggling.

[Grace]

I believe 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 asks the eternal question, who in their right mind actually likes ads? Maybe someone who is so sheltered and cut off from the rest of the world that they've never really encountered them before. That's who. Like say, a princess. Here's the author to introduce their story.

[Grace]

Hi, I'm Grace. I live in Ontario and I'm 12 years old. This is my story, the princess that liked ads.

[Benjamin Salka]

Ah, another wonderful day. Being a princess with nothing to do but run in a field of daisies, jump and play in the pool with my friends, and ride horses. All of which I already did today. No more responsibilities. Excuse me, Princess Harold, don't you know this is my alone time?

[Princess Harold]

Apologies, but you do have one more event today.

[Lee Overtree]

It's the boring.

[Benjamin Salka]

I'm going to push you out the door now and watch tv.

[Princess Harold]

But Princess.

[Benjamin Salka]

Goodbye. Now no one can bother me. TV on.

[Wildcat Narrator]

And so the wildcat family finds its way to its winter den.

[Benjamin Salka]

Ah, my favorite show about wildcats.

[Wildcat Narrator]

We'll be right back with more Wish Upon a Whisker after a quick commercial break.

[Benjamin Salka]

A commercial? What? I thought this was a premium subscription. I suppose I've never actually seen a commercial before. Let's see what all the fuss is about.

[Lee Overtree]

Do you need a vacuum? Well, if you do, you could buy this vacuum. This was an ad about vacuums.

[Ad Guy]

Vacuums available worldwide. No returns, refunds, exchanges, switcheroo or Huddle Blue.

[Benjamin Salka]

That commercial was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It was like a little movie about a vacuum. How are people not going nuts for these all the time? Oh, another commercial is starting.

[Ad Guy]

Hi there. Do you want your own advertisement? Well then come climb this super tall mountain and make one with me, the ad guy.

Advertisements can be about anything you wish. You may climb the Mountain as many times as you'd like. Not even your rates apply.

[Benjamin Salka]

That's it. The solution to my boredom? I'm gonna make a TV advertisement all about me. Ah. I did it. I climbed to the top of the mountain. That was probably the hardest thing that anyone's ever done in the history of the universe.

[Ad Guy]

Excuse me. I'm trying to watch my favorite television program. Oh, my goodness.

[Lee Overtree]

It's pretty.

[Benjamin Salka]

Princess Gray. You're welcome. You must be the ad guy.

[Ad Guy]

Well, actually, my name is.

[Benjamin Salka]

I saw your advertisement and I had to run up here as fast as I possibly could. You see, I. I'm in love.

[Ad Guy]

Oh, wow. Sorry. This is awkward, but I'm not really looking for anything.

[Benjamin Salka]

Oh, my gosh. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I'm in love with advertising. I want to make commercials. Oh, don't worry. I would never be in love with you.

[Ad Guy]

Okay, well, that feels like overkill.

[Benjamin Salka]

Wait. Were you just watching the show about wild cats?

[Ad Guy]

Wish Upon a Whisker? Of course. That's my favorite show.

[Benjamin Salka]

Mine, too. I've already seen every episode five times.

[Ad Guy]

Okay, did we just become best friends?

[Benjamin Salka]

Is the royal pool aquamarine?

[Ad Guy]

Is it?

[Benjamin Salka]

It is. Ah. A new best friend. Okay, ad guy. Let's make the most amazing ad together. Where do we start?

[Ad Guy]

Well, right here in my house on top of the mountain. I got a whole crew. Green screen. There was a writers strike for a while that affected production. But we reached an agreement, so I.

[Benjamin Salka]

Don'T need to know all that. Let's make that ad. And this marks the end of my commercial.

[Ad Guy]

And cut. Okay, Princess. Not bad, but wow.

[Benjamin Salka]

I'm worried about our commercial and how much people are going to love it when they see. See it.

[Ad Guy]

Um, yeah.

[Benjamin Salka]

Put the commercial on all of the channels.

[Ad Guy]

I really think we should take another.

[Benjamin Salka]

I don't know how I do it either. Now I'm off back to the castle.

[Ad Guy]

Harold.

[Princess Harold]

Princess.

[Benjamin Salka]

I'm back.

[Princess Harold]

Thank goodness you're here just in time.

[Benjamin Salka]

To dinner to help you not be bored anymore. That's right. Check this out. TV on.

[Ad Guy]

We interrupt this program for a commercial break.

[Benjamin Salka]

Hi, there. I'm the princess.

[Princess Harold]

Princess, it's you.

[Wildcat Narrator]

Sorry.

[Benjamin Salka]

Are you living in a royal kingdom? Does that kingdom have an awesome princess? Yes, you do. And yes, it does. I am the princess, and I am awesome. Lucky you. And even luckier me. Okay, and this marks the end of my commercial.

[Ad Guy]

Princess Gray is the princess. Um, that.

[Benjamin Salka]

That. That's pretty much turned out even better than I imagined. What do you think?

[Princess Harold]

Well, it certainly was a commercial.

[Benjamin Salka]

Okay, I'M confused by your reaction. I think what you meant was a standing ovation, right? What's with you today?

[Princess Harold]

It's just that. Well, today is the car donation charity event that you were supposed to host. But since you were off making a commercial, no one showed up. So we've received no car donations to give to our neediest citizens.

[Benjamin Salka]

Oh, wow. Okay, I gotta go.

[Princess Harold]

Princess, where are you going?

[Benjamin Salka]

To make another commercial, of course.

[Princess Harold]

What?

[Benjamin Salka]

Back to the top of the mountain.

[Ad Guy]

I love it on top of this mountain. So nice and peaceful. Do not sneak up on me like that, Princess. I'm incredibly scarable.

[Benjamin Salka]

Fire up all the cameras. Boost on the lights. Tell the writers we'll give them everything they want within reason.

[Ad Guy]

Okay, well, we already reached an agreement.

[Benjamin Salka]

We need to make another ad. Really?

[Ad Guy]

Even after our last one which was so amazing?

[Benjamin Salka]

Yes. Let's make an ad. A beautiful princess just like me.

[Ad Guy]

And cut. Alright, Princess, I think we got it.

[Benjamin Salka]

Amazing. I want you to air the commercial in exactly 15 minutes on all the TV channels.

[Ad Guy]

Your Highness, you don't even want to watch it back first?

[Benjamin Salka]

There's no time. The cardonation charity event is almost over. Do you trust me?

[Ad Guy]

Is the royal pool turquoise?

[Benjamin Salka]

No, it's aquamarine.

[Ad Guy]

Sorry. Us common folk don't know these things.

[Benjamin Salka]

Just do as I say. To the castle.

[Princess Harold]

I'm sorry everyone, but unfortunately no cars were donated this year. I hate to say it, but the car charity event is officially cancelled.

[Benjamin Salka]

Not so fast. Turn on all the TVs. The people at this conference need to see this.

[Ad Guy]

Thank you for watching tv. We interrupt this program for a commercial break.

[Benjamin Salka]

Hi there. I'm Princess Grey. Wow, Princess, it's you. I live an awesome life. But this ad isn't about me. It's about cars. Won't you consider donating a car to someone in need? If you do well, you'd make someone feel like a beautiful princess. Just like me.

[Lee Overtree]

Wow, what a great commercial. I'll donate a car.

[Benjamin Salka]

Well, I'd like to donate three. So many cars.

[Princess Harold]

Your Highness, that commercial was magnificent.

[Benjamin Salka]

Oh, please. It's no big deal.

[Princess Harold]

You really are the best.

[Benjamin Salka]

Let me stop you right there. I learned that life isn't all about me. It's about commercials.

[Princess Harold]

Princess, where on earth did you learn all of that?

[Benjamin Salka]

On the top of a super tall mountain with a guy who makes ads.

[Princess Harold]

Okay, not really sure what to do with that information. The end.

[Grace]

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

[Progressive Ad Narrator]

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[Shopify Ad Narrator]

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[Lee Overtree]

And now it's time for Story Pirates Roll Call. But wait. Before we get into today's Roll Call, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who checked out our live Roll Call video last week on YouTube where Peter and I read stories live and talked about them. We had so much fun doing it. If you haven't seen it yet, grown ups go to YouTube to the story Pirates channel. Check it out. It's really fun and we're gonna do another one next week. But for now on to Roll Call like normal Theme song Take it away. Send us your story.

[Benjamin Salka]

Send us your story. We read them all. We read them all. You know we love em.

[Lee Overtree]

First up from an 8 year old in Arizona named Emilia, we have Worm's Dream. Now, there is a grand tradition in literature for authors to explore dreams, especially dreams of characters that are interesting or magical or different from us in some way. And Amelia has an incredible take on this tradition with Worm's Dream, because that's right, it's a worm's dream. And what kind of things would a worm dream about, you ask? Well, dirt pizza, which I'm pretty sure that DJ Squirmalock can corroborate. And same kinds of things that I dream about too, like flying and going to the store and forgetting your wallet. Amelia, this story is so funny and sweet and hilarious. Thank you so much for sending it in, my friend. Okay, this next story is written by a three year old. That's right, you heard correctly. A three year old named Zion from Tennessee. And Zion's story is called Turning Spiderwebs. And Turning Spiderwebs is an incredible poem. I especially love the very end. Here it is. Ahem. There once was a spider who had a web. That web had a spider and a fly. And then they chased and the spider was chasing the fly because the fly wasn't good. And then the fly was chasing the spider and then it was the end. Flower, Zion. That flower at the end just throws me for a loop. I love it so much. Thank you for sending us your beautiful poem. And finally, from a 12 year old in Romania named Nora, we have an incredible story called I am Late. And this story is chock full of incredible irony and humor. It's about a girl who's late for a meeting. As you know from the title, I am Late. And she jumps in a cab and says, drive faster. Well, little does she know that driving faster means driving at the speed of light, which takes her to an alien planet where she has to help the aliens build a teleportation machine so that she can get back home. And you'd think that with a teleportation machine that travels at the speed of light, that's basically like a time machine, right? Because you're traveling so fast, blah, blah, blah. I don't understand it, but I think that's true. So theoretically, she could arrive home at any point and not be late anymore for her meeting, but she arrives back in the cab and is still late. How frustrating is that? Incredible structure bookending. I just love it so much. Nora, thank you so much for sending it in. To read all of today's roll call stories, head to storypirates.com podcast and don't forget to see our live roll call with me and Peter on YouTube. And next week we'll have another one, a brand new live roll call. Make sure you tune in. And now it's time for you to write us a story. Grown ups can submit [e-mail] and remember, we respond to every single story we receive.

[Benjamin Salka]

That was roll call.

[Lee Overtree]

That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening. And a big thanks to today's author, Grace. We'll be back next week with part one of our big season seven finale. That's right. We're reaching the end of season seven. Until then, stay creative and stay kind.

[Benjamin Salka]

Bye.

[Lee Overtree]

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, McKenna Cox, 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 Eric Gerson and Jack Mitchell. Our head writers are Rachel Winitsky and David Sidorov. The princess who liked ads was adapted by Justin Coon. Production coordination by Denise Lisa Wharton Bee. Episode artwork by Camilla Franklin. This episode features performances by Colin Batten, Nicole Beckwith, Allie Haas, Peter McNerney, Joshua Nassar, Megan O' Neill, and Jasmine Romero.

[Wildcat Narrator]

Welcome back to Wish Upon a Whisker, where we now return to the wild cat's winter den to see how they're adjusting to the coming snow. Ah. As you can see, the wildcat is making itself a quesadilla on the stove. But alas, it seems like more than one member of the wildcat family wants in on this delicious cheese and tortilla concoction. Luckily for these frisky kitties, Daddy wildcat has made enough quesadilla for everyone. Excuse me, Daddy cat, do you happen to have an extra quesadilla for a nice, unintrusive TV narrator? Okay, cool. No worries.