Podcast Summary: Story Pirates – "The Real Mount Rushmore"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Real Mount Rushmore
• Release Date: July 31, 2025
• Host: Lee Overtree
• Description: In this episode, Story Pirates transforms an imaginative kid-written story about Mount Rushmore into an engaging narrative filled with humor, creativity, and valuable lessons. Additionally, the episode features an edition of "Roll Call Live" where stories written by children are read, discussed, and celebrated.

Main Story: The Real Mount Rushmore (00:01 – 10:03)

Introduction by Lee Overtree (00:01):
Lee opens the episode by inviting listeners to explore the lesser-known story behind Mount Rushmore, hinting at surprising twists beyond the famous presidential carvings.

Story Narration:
The tale begins with four beloved U.S. Presidents—George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt—relaxing in a South Dakota park, engaging in unexpected activities such as rapping and playing football. Their camaraderie is depicted through playful interactions and catchy lyrics, highlighting their unique personas.

• Notable Quote:
  George Washington: "I'm George W. I'm the Op Prez. I started this country. Y' all do as I says. You better not diss the whom of the free or you down like a cherry tree."
  (Timestamp: 03:53)

The narrative takes a fantastical turn with the introduction of Medusa, the mythological figure with snakes for hair. Medusa disrupts the presidents' peaceful activities, leading to a conflict that threatens democracy itself.

• Notable Quote:
  Rory: "Medusa, as in the character from Greek mythology, the monster with snakes for hair that has magic Stone powers?"
  (Timestamp: 05:54)

Medusa's antagonistic stance against democracy stems from her past experience of losing an election to a Cyclops, fostering her desire to become the unelected ruler of America. This conflict culminates in an epic showdown where the presidents and Medusa vie for control through the democratic process—an election.

• Notable Quote:
  Park Ranger: "Then we'll have to defeat you in the most American way possible. The ballot box."
  (Timestamp: 08:46)

The story seamlessly blends historical figures with mythical elements, presenting a humorous yet thought-provoking narrative that emphasizes the importance of democracy and the power of collaboration.

Roll Call Live: Celebrating Children's Stories (10:36 – 22:57)

Following the main story, the episode transitions into "Roll Call Live," a segment dedicated to sharing and discussing stories penned by young authors. In this edition, special guest Pirate Andrew Barbado joins the cast.

1. Crying Baby Bagel by Marcos (11:29 – 17:20)

Story Overview:
Marcos, a six-year-old from Florida, presents "Crying Baby Bagel," a whimsical tale about a bagel that incessantly cries without a clear reason. The story explores themes of understanding emotions and acceptance.

• Notable Quote:
  Lee Overtree: "The crying baby bagel at the beginning of the story, at least, is not crying for a reason...it's very out of nowhere. It's very strange."
  (Timestamp: 14:00)

Discussion Highlights:
The Story Pirates delve into the emotional underpinnings of the story, relating it to children's experiences with unexplained sadness. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging and validating emotions, even when their causes aren't immediately apparent.

• Notable Insight:
  Lee Overtree: "A lot of times, it's very out of nowhere...we spend a lot of time telling kids right now that it's okay to be sad."
  (Timestamp: 14:01)

This segment reinforces the message that it's acceptable to feel emotions without always understanding their origins, promoting emotional intelligence and self-acceptance among young listeners.

2. I Lost My Tooth by Audrey and Lillian (17:25 – 18:11)

Story Overview:
Authored by seven-year-olds Audrey and Lillian from California, "I Lost My Tooth" narrates the adventures of a boy who loses his wiggly tooth and the subsequent quest to restore the taste of his favorite dessert after it turns muddy.

• Notable Quote:
  Andrew Barbado: "I've never read a story where they use the idea of a sweet tooth in such a specific way. That is so literal."
  (Timestamp: 16:55)

Discussion Highlights:
The Story Pirates praise the creative literal interpretation of "sweet tooth," celebrating the imaginative approach to storytelling. They explore the narrative's humorous take on losing and regaining one's ability to enjoy sweets, highlighting the children's ability to infuse everyday experiences with fantasy elements.

• Notable Insight:
  Park Ranger: "The cure was to wait till he had grown up tooth. Six months later...he tasted a cupcake."
  (Timestamp: 16:50)

This story underscores the blend of humor and creativity, showcasing how children can transform simple concepts into engaging tales with unique twists.

3. Hemingway's by Henry (18:16 – 22:23)

Story Overview:
Henry, a ten-year-old from Louisiana, introduces "Hemingway's," detailing the lavish life of Mike Hemingway in Richville. The story revolves around a predicament where a dragonfly disrupts a high-profile party, leading to a humorous yet critical exploration of wealth and self-reliance.

• Notable Quote:
  Lee Overtree: "There's a beautiful lesson they did."
  (Timestamp: 21:56)

Discussion Highlights:
The Story Pirates analyze the underlying themes of the story, noting its critique of affluence and the challenges associated with it, such as the difficulty in accessing services despite wealth. They appreciate the narrative's focus on self-reliance, as the characters solve their problem without relying on paid services.

• Notable Insight:
  Park Ranger: "They need to adjust some things in their lives...they become helpless."
  (Timestamp: 22:02)

Additionally, the episode highlights the humorous elements, such as the exaggerated difficulty in contacting the "Dragonfly Removal Service," adding layers of satire and social commentary to the tale.

• Notable Quote:
  Andrew Barbado: "We did it ourselves...This is the greatest party of all time."
  (Timestamp: 20:53)

Concluding Thoughts and Lessons Learned

Throughout "Roll Call Live," the Story Pirates not only celebrate the creativity of young authors but also extract meaningful lessons from each story:

1. Emotional Understanding:
   "Crying Baby Bagel" teaches children that it's okay to experience emotions without knowing their exact cause, fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness.

2. Creative Problem-Solving:
   "I Lost My Tooth" encourages imaginative thinking and showcases how creative solutions can restore joy and satisfaction, even in challenging situations.

3. Self-Reliance and Critical Thinking:
   "Hemingway's" highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and questions the efficacy of over-reliance on services and wealth, promoting critical thinking about societal norms.

• Notable Quote:
  Park Ranger: "They are self aware enough to know that this money has caused them to become helpless."
  (Timestamp: 22:12)

Final Remarks (22:51 – 23:14)

As the episode wraps up, Lee Overtree extends gratitude to the young authors and encourages listeners to continue writing and submitting their stories. The Story Pirates emphasize the value of creativity and kindness, leaving the audience inspired to engage in their own storytelling endeavors.

• Notable Quote:
  Lee Overtree: "Stay creative and stay kind."
  (Timestamp: 23:10)

Throughout the episode, Story Pirates successfully blend humor, creativity, and educational insights, making "The Real Mount Rushmore" not only an entertaining narrative but also a source of valuable life lessons for both children and adults. The integration of children's stories in "Roll Call Live" further emphasizes the podcast's commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating their imaginative endeavors.