Lee Overtree (0:01)

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here, grab a hot dog, put on a hat with a brim, and get ready to sit around and wait for pictures to warm up. Because the Story Pirates have got baseball Fever and two brand new stories written by kids, of course, grown ups. Did you know that ads only cover a small portion of what it costs to make this show? That's right. 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. 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 week. If you're already a Creator Club member. Thank you so much. And if you want to join, you can do so by visiting storypirates.com creatorclub or subscribing right in Apple Podcasts. Two brand new stories and literally the most exciting baseball game of all time. Coming up right after a few words for the grown ups. Ah, you smell that? Yeah, sorry. No, no. I'm talking about the unmistakable smell of baseball season. Baseball season. That's right. Eric, you know how much I love baseball. I've never heard you mention. I remember growing up on that farm in Iowa, pa, Building a baseball diamond right out in the cornfield so we could have a catch with the ghost of Shoeless Joe. Worked hard to prove myself in those days. Thought it was all over when I broke my arm. But wouldn't you know, when I got better, I had a 110 mile per hour fastball. I was eyeing the major leagues when the boys all shipped out overseas and us gals had to take over America's pastime. It wasn't easy, you know, but there's no crying in baseball. At least that's what the coach used to say. Not long after that, I became the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. Introduced sabermetrics into the art of the game, had such a knockout season, you would have thought there were angels in. In that outfield. Major League 2. Rachel, was everything you just said from the plot of a movie? Eric, how dare you? Everything I just said was from the plots of several movies. Hey, Eric. Hey, Rachel. What are you talking about? If it was about me, I don't want to know. Actually, I do. Rachel was just telling me about how much she loves baseball. That's right. In fact, I was thinking about getting A couple teams together so we could play a baseball game right here on the ship. Ah, yes. There's nothing like sports to bring people together. Except maybe theater. Theaters where I've made my dearest friends and my most wretched enemies. I think this is a lovely idea. Just whatever you do, don't use my baseball. Autographed by the actress Meryl Streep. Because it's a cherished keepsake? No, because Meryl Streep ruined my beautiful baseball with her signature. And one of these days, I'm going to confront her about it. Ah. Okay, well, I'm off. Have fun. And remember, do not use my baseball. Okay, bye. Bye, Megan. Look at her go. Tap dancing away. So graceful. Yeah. Alright, let's go grab Megan's baseball Autograph by the actress Meryl Streep. Sorry, what? She said not to. Oh, it's fine. We'll be really careful. I don't know. I don't think. I think we should. Don't worry. Nothing can go wrong. I mean, unless we accidentally hit the ball into old man Bennett's yard. Who? Oh, you know, he's that scary old man who lives behind the baseball field on the ship in that big spooky house. But come on, what are the chances we'd actually hit a baseball into that yard? Now wait a second. The chances sound kind of high. Don't panic, my guy. Come on, let's go do the one thing Megan told us not to do and then go play baseball next to a haunted house. I love that idea. I love storytelling. I'm very different from everybody. Confusion is the step before curiosity. Okay, that's a really funny idea. We have to send that in. It made me very proud about my sighting. I believe all of the things in my story, human beings are just able to create the story. Pirates. Welcome back to the Story Pirates podcast, everyone, where we take stories written by kids and turn them into sketch comedy and songs. Why do you all seem so suspicious? No reason. Yeah, we're definitely not about to play baseball with your baseball. Autographed by Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep. Eric. Right. Why would you? Since I said not to. Exactly. Because someday I'm going to find Meryl Streep and ask her to clean her signature off the ball. Right. Okay. I'm so excited for this baseball game, but should we do a story before we play? Let's. And here to introduce it is the author. Hi, my name is Judah. I'm 8 years old and I live in Michigan. And this is my story, the Throne that Blasted Off. Ah, good morning, King Percy. I trust you slept well. Yes, yes. Talking Throne. Just because the Queen Summer somehow imbued you a chair with the power of speech doesn't mean you have to prove it every chance you get. So sorry, your greatness. By the way, how did the Queen manage to get my throne to speak? I asked the Queen the same question and she just said it's technical and boring and quiet. Here comes the herald and the other members of the court. Hear ye, hear ye. His majesty King Percy will now hear his subjects requests and grievances. Let's make this quick. I have this afternoon from the Oakwood Hamlet. Gareth the peasant, my lord. Our turnip fields haven't turned up too many turnips this year. Anyway. You're asking for 10 times the taxes and we can't feed our families. Hmm. Throne. What think you, King Percy? A rebellion from the turnip farmers could spell doom for the realm. We can absolutely afford to grant them relief. Thank you for your counsel, Throne. However, as usual, I shall disregard. We can absolutely not afford to grant you relief. But best of luck. Next, from the enchanted woods, the wizard. I'll be brief. I have a magic show that I think would tour very well. All I need is four horses, three wagons, two strong men and fireworks. Throne. What do you think? King Percy? Nevermind. I know what to say. 100% yes. What? Ha ha. Disappear. I think that's enough for today, Herald. Thus concludes this morning's audience with the King. Clear the throne room. What's the point of being able to speak if no one will listen to what I have to say? There, there, sweet Throne. Queen Celindrea, don't let that foolish king put your backrest in a bunch. Besides, I have more important plans for you. What could possibly be more important than counseling the King to keep the realm safe? I'll explain everything. But first I simply must unzip this hideous human su and let my purple alien skin breathe a bit. Purple alien skin. Much better. Yes, Throne. Had I used my technology to grant you the power of sight, you'd be gazing into all three of my gorgeous alien eyes. I came to this planet to study the human species. Did I create my human suit to look identical to the Queen? Maybe. Did I temporarily hide that queen deep within my alien spaceship? Perhaps. Did the queen find her way to the control room and joyfully blast off, leaving me stranded here on Earth? Aya, I am speechless. We both know the king who currently sits on you will feast and nap as the castle crumbles. We need to take Action for the good of the realm. King Percy has his flaws, but no one on Earth is perfect. Which is precisely why I'm sending you on an intercession stellar voyage to bring me back a king from beyond this earth. A king who will listen when I speak every single word. But how? I have an extremely limited range of mobility. Which is exactly why I've secretly equipped a rocket under your seat. You what? Now, Brass Opkin. T minus seven hours. Oh, my goodness. Now to cover you with a fuzzy blanket and zip back into my human suit. Now get some rest and prepare to blast off in the morning. Ah, a morning fit for a king. Hey, what a nice blanket you're wearing. Throne. What's on my agenda today? The morning council session, followed by a meeting with foreign envoys, then judicial hearings. Ugh. Cancel, reschedule, and send them all to prison. We're having a cozy castle day. Your grace. You can't be serious. Throne, I can't hear you over the sound of my desire to get cozy. Now I'll just place my arms upon your cozy armrests. Uh, what's that sound? That's it. If you refuse to fulfill your duties as king, I'll find someone who will. Drone, why are you shaking uncontrollably? Blast off in three, clone two. What's this? Countdown one. Blast off. For the good of the rogue clone, where have you gone? It seems you. You turned our cozy castle day into a day of hide and seek. Oh. Ready or not, here I come. I'm doing it. I'm flying with the birds. And now I've reached outer space. Hey, look. A big, beautiful UFO shining a bright light upon me. Whoa. It's pulling me in. This is all happening so quickly. Welcome to my spaceship, Throne. Alien king at your service. May I sit? It would be my honor. Comfy? Now, where do we begin? Infrastructure. Of course, we'll have to discuss succession plans. But might I suggest we. Less talking, more rocketing. Don't you want me to brief you on the kingdom's affairs? I'm a valuable counselor. No, you're a chair turned rocket. Set a course for Earth. No. Let's talk about hands. I've been tricked. Hear ye, hear ye. His Majesty King Percy will be here any minute to hear his subjects, requests and grievances. Just a moment, Herald. I'll be with you just as soon as I locate that sneaky throne of mine. Queen Selyndria, I'm six hours deep in a brutal game of hide and seek. Any idea where my throne might be? I haven't a clue. There you are, Throne. I would have never looked there. High above. Rocketing straight down directly. Oh, on top of me. Greetings, Earthlings. I come in peace. Ow. There's my handsome alien. Finally, I can take off this disguise. My queen is a purple reptile with three eyes. And now I can finally rule this kingdom with my true love by my side. Well, you'll be beside my side. Clearly, I should be in charge. This is all my plan. I should be in charge. Now, hold on. I'm the king. I should be in charge. Wait a second. Silence. The throne can speak. I have been ignored, devalued, manipulated, and sat upon for too long. Queen Selandria, or whatever your actual name is. My real name is. I can't say that. But you should be ashamed of yourself. How dare you use my love for this kingdom to serve your own ends. You two have no real interest in the good of this realm, do you? Oh, nothing. No, no. And you, King Percy, I wish for your success every single day. And every single day, you disappoint me in all your subjects. Could we maybe have this conversation? Not while I'm being crushed by you. I demand my voice be heard because I seem to be the only one here whose wish is to protect and serve this realm. Wow, Thrun. Maybe it's the lack of oxygen going to my brain as I lay here crushed underneath you. But I hereby abdicate my throne and crown you as the rightful king. What say you, Queen? As long as I can live happily ever with my beautiful alien husband, we will gladly offer new technologies to support and serve your people. It's a deal. Great. You are all gonna love the microwave. I'll hail the throne. The end. And what a wonderful story. That was a story for the ages. And I would know. I was there when Snorri Sturlson wrote his beautiful saga upon the Viking river cruise. And speaking of beautiful, it is a beautiful day for baseball here at the Tit Tidal Wave Stadium. The baseball stadium onboard the Story Pirates ship. For those of you just tuning in, Rachel's team is up three to two over Eric's team in the bottom of the third. I'm Rolo alongside Siegfried. And today's broadcast is brought to you by our sponsor, Stinky Cheese. Stinky Cheese. The stinkier the better. We've got runners on first and third with one out. Coming up to the plate is Story Pirate Lee. Now, Lee, notably has a very unusual batting stance. See how he places his feet very far apart? That's right. And he sticks his Elbows out. You know what it reminds me of, Rolo? A chicken. Yes, I was going to say a chicken. Lee looks very chicken like as he prepares his swing. Pitcher Nimini checks the runners. She winds up on the mound and throws. That's a strike. Wow. Lee swings and misses at a fastball up in the zone. And Lee is setting up again this time, and he's known for this, completely changing his batting stance. He's standing on one foot and barking like a dog. Elbows still out like a chicken. Here comes the pitch. And a deep fly ball to center field. Peter's backing up, up against the fence. And it's gone outta here. Home run. But, uh, oh, looks like it landed right in the yard of that spooky house. Oh, isn't that where old man Bennett lives? Yes. The scary guy who no one's ever seen. And I can tell you one thing. He is not going to be happy that a baseball autographed by Meryl Streep just landed right in his yard. And you know who else won't be happy? Megan. Let's go to a commercial break. Accounts and descriptions of this game could not be disseminated without the express written consent of Stinky Cheese. We'll be right back. Lee, what did you just do? I just hit the ball right into old man Bennett's yard. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. You know me. I just close my eyes, stand on one foot, bark like a dog and swing for the fences. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. This is bad. This is really bad. I heard old man Bennett cooks story pirates into a big stew. I've heard old man Bennett howling in the night. I've seen scary flashes of light from his window, like he's up there doing spells. I heard he has a big scary cat in that yard who loves doing big scary cat stuff. Oh, no, Rachel, he said everything was going to be okay. I lied, okay? Oh, Megan's gonna be so mad at you guys for taking her baseball. Us? Guys? You were the one who took it. You literally said, come on, let's go do the one thing Megan told us not to do and then go play baseball next to a haunted house. Okay, well, when you quote me like that, it does make it sound like it's something I said and like the whole thing was my idea. It literally was. Eric. Rachel, calm down. We just need to think. Do we though? Yes. Okay, we know we have to get the ball back, right? Do we though? Yes. That's Megan's special baseball. We need to get it back from old man Bennett's yard before he eats it. Or, I don't know, whatever spooky old men do with baseballs. Okay, Peter, maybe if you stand on my back and then I stand on your back, I'll be able to reach over the fence. But if I'm standing on your back, how will you stand on my back? Good point. I hadn't thought of that. And that's Teamwork makes the dream work. Maybe we can reach the ball if we stick the bat through this hole in the fence. Yes. Good idea, Rachel. Wow, that was the first time anyone's ever said that. And it feels amazing. Almost a little bit to the left, a little to the right. Oh, you're so close. Oh, no. I dropped the bat into old man Bennett's yard. Uh oh. Now we need to get the ball and the bat. I have an idea. I'll throw my baseball glove over the fence. Peter, no. Why would that possibly. Huh. That didn't help at all. Well, what are we gonna do now? We tried everything. No, we haven't tried everything. We haven't tried knocking politely on the door. Gasp. We'll be right back after a few words from the grown up. 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Upgrade your business and get the same checkout we use with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com realm. All lowercase go to shopify.com realm to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.com realm hey, podcast listeners. I'm Chris Marocco, food director of Bon Appetit and Epicurious and host of the dinner SOS Podcast Every week on Dinner sos, my test kitchen colleagues and I help listeners figure out what they should be cooking right now. And this winter, we're helping you embrace all things cozy cooking, letting you join the Ba Bake club and getting back to basics with simple strategies to level up your home cooking. So don't miss out. Listen to and follow Dinnersos wherever you get your podcasts. And if you have your own kitchen question, email us@ninnersoson appetit.com Happy cooking. Well, we made it to the front of the big spooky house. Rachel, this was your idea. You should do the honors. Lee was the one who hit the ball. You got us all into this mess. Will everyone stop using my words and my actions against me? Ugh. I'll do it. Hello? The door opened on its own. That's never a good sign. Should we slowly walk inside this spooky house? Probably. Hello? Is anybody home? Old man Bennett. We just came to get our baseball from your yard. Shh. I think it's him coming down the stairs. Wow. He's so old and creepy. You were right. He's coming towards us very slowly. Hello, story pirates. Wait a second. He's taking his glasses off. He's taking his beard off. He's taking a bald cap off and throwing his cane into a garbage can. Old man Bennett is. That's right. Old man Bennett is. Me. Megan Gasp. I've been sneaking into this old spooky house and dressing up as an old spooky man while I'm preparing for a role. Oh, and what? What do you mean? Are you gonna be in a play or a movie? No, no. Just preparing in general. You should always be prepared to play any character and any role. That's why I've been spending three to 14 hours a day pacing around this old house being spooky in case I ever have to play an old man. An old spooky man. Fascinating. An actor's process is always so interesting. Well, we'll leave you be. Bye. Wait. I have a lot more questions. Same. Why did we hear you howling in the night? Oh, that's just my vocal warm up. Okay. And what about the spooky cat in the yard? That was me preparing for a role in case I ever have to play a cat. A spooky cat. And the strange flashes of light from the attic window. I was setting up a ring light for self tapes. Got it. It all makes so much sense now. The real scary old was acting. Wait a second. Why are you all here? No reason. Just stopping by. Gay Gotta go. Rachel, something about the way you are turning away from me, hiding behind that lamp, and sweating profusely tells me you're not being fully honest. It's because we stole your baseball autographed by Merylla Streep, and accidentally hid it over the fence into your yard. I'm sorry. I just couldn't keep it in anymore. You what? I'm sorry. It's my fault. We stole your baseball autographed by Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep, and we accidentally hid it over the fence into the yard of this house, where you've been secretly doing acting exercises as an old man. And then when we tried to get it back, we also dropped our bat in the yard. And my glove. I'm really sorry. It's all my fault. Will you ever forgive me? Exactly as I planned. That's right, I'm slowly clapping. I don't understand what's going on. It's like normal clapping, but slower. I mean, I don't understand why you aren't mad at me. Because I planned all of this. I knew that if I told you about the Meryl Streep baseball, you would use it in your game and that Lee would hit it over the fence into my yard. Sorry, my character's yard. Wait, you wanted us to hit your baseball over here? Yes, because maybe someday I will have to portray an old, spooky man who has a signed baseball hit into his yard. You never know. I have to be prepared. Anyway, who won your big game? It's only the third inning, but it's a close game. Should we play some more? Mmm. Three innings of baseball is exactly the right amount of baseball for me. Personally, I don't know why, but I'm really in the mood for stinky cheese. Hmm. Anyway, should we do another story? Yeah. And here to introduce it is the author. Hi, my name is Liana. I'm 10 years old and I live in New York. This is my story, the Bookworm. Wow. The Cincinnati Public Library. I can't wait to check out my favorite item offered at a library. A book. Excuse me. Yes? Are you the librarian here? Yes. I'd like to check out a book. No, I'm a little lost. This is the library, right? Yes. Well, can I check out a book? No. Why not? Well, our books, they've been eaten up. Eaten up? By whom? We don't know. Every day we come in and more books are eaten. Look, here's Moby Dick. It starts, call me Ishmael, then eaten Eden. Eaten, eaten, eaten. And the whale lived. Happily ever after. The end. The whole middle's eaten up. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. First of all, spoiler alert. Second, have you tried to catch whoever's doing this? We've tried everything, but we can't find them. We have several theories, but we just don't know who or where they are. Hey, everybody. I'm Sylvester the Worm. And today on Library Bookstores and Dives, the show where I travel around the country looking for the best books to eat. I'm squirming out to my favorite restaurant in the world, the Cincinnati Public Library. As a bookworm, I exclusively eat books, so finding a place like the Cincinnati Public Library is a dream come true. You really gotta hand it to these librarians. And our final theory about who's eating the books is that I'm eating the books and just forgetting them. Wait, do you hear that? Hear what? It sounds like someone is talking. Someone with a really tiny mouth that's real close to the ground, like a bug or a worm. Oh, I hear that all the time. This old building makes a lot of noises. I just ignore it. Give me a chance to figure out what's happening. Can I look around the library and see if I can find whoever's eating the books? Do whatever you want. And if you can figure this out and stop the Book Eater, we may just be able to stay open. I have an eccentric rich person coming to the library in three days to buy it. So the clock is ticking, just like in my favorite book, Ticking Clocks and Other Devices in Dramatic Storytelling. Okay, I just need to follow that voice. It sounded like it was coming from over here. Wait a minute. That book is moving. Let me listen close. And now we've come to my favorite dish at the library, the World According to Hot Dogs. About hot dogs that taste just like a hot dog. You really get that full hot dog flavor when you eat this book, you know? Salty, rich, papery. Now, for my next course. Hey, a worm. Huh? Gotcha. Whoa, whoa. What's happening? Someone's picking me up. Put me down right now. Ugh. You can talk? Yes, I'm Sylvester the Worm, host of Libraries, Bookstores and Dives. Sorry, I haven't heard of you. Don't you watch Worm tv? No. Oh. So you must subscribe to Worm tv. No. Look, kid, I can tell if you're here, you must have great taste in books. I am a voracious reader. I'm a voracious eater, too. Have you tried the history books? They're delicious. Or maybe try the fantasy books. Over easy. Wait a minute. You're the one eating the books. Yeah. What else do you do with a book? Read it. Eat it. Read it. Why would you do that? Because books are amazing. They have incredible stories inside. Put me down so I can finish my show, huh? I only have my worm TV crew take. Come on, Sil. We'll burn in daylight. Please, please, please. If you keep eating books, they're gonna close the library. Close the library? But they can't do that. It's the best join in town. Well, if you keep eating the books, they won't have anything to lend out. Maybe just try reading a book and you'll see they're better than just food. But I can't read. That's okay. I can teach you. And maybe it will be good tv. Yeah, I can see it now. Sylvester learns to read. A very special episode of Libraries, Bookstores and Dives. The sponsors would go nuts. Okay, kid, you're on to the Cincinnati Public Library multipurpose room. And the whale lived happily ever after. The end. Wow, Sylvester, you read all of Moby Dick? It took a long time, but all your hard work paid off. Thank you for teaching me to read, kid. And for showing me that there's more to books than eatin'and. This is the multi purpose room, Eccentric rich person. You can use it not just for one purpose, but for multiple. I do have more than one purpose. Librarian, what's going on? Oh, this is the eccentric rich person I told you about. They're here to buy the library. I'm going to fill the library with gold coins and swim in it like a duck. But I did it. I found out who was eating all the books. The library can stay open. Be that as it may, your time has run out. Oh, just like in my favorite book, When Time Runs out and other disappointing endings to stories. I can't believe it. I did all that work and the library is still gonna close. Hey, I'm sorry, kid. Wait a tick. Are you Sylvester the Worm, host of Libraries, Bookstores and Dives? I sure am. Why? That's my favorite show. I've been a Worm TV premium subscriber since day one. Am I on the show right now? You sure are. Oh, wow, I'm freaking out. Hi, Mom. Hi, worms. Listen, eccentric rich person, this is my favorite library. I just discovered that books are for more than eating. And it would be a real shame if I couldn't fill my head with knowledge. Just like I used to fill my stomach with books. I can't buy this library if it's endorsed by Sylvester the Worm. Sorry, librarian. The deal's off. I guess the library will remain open. Just like in my favorite book, the Library that Stayed Open and Other Happy Endings. Hooray. Now I can check out all the books I want. Thanks, Sylvester. No, thank you, kid. Well, it's been quite a day here at the Cincinnati Public Library. Catch my next episode, where I'll be headed to some more libraries, bookstores and dives. For now, we want to thank our biggest sponsor, the end. And now Lee speaks with the author. Leanna, I'm so excited to talk to you about your story. I'm so excited too. I've been trying to get a story on the podcast for years. No way. Really? How many have you submitted over the years? Probably at least 20. Oh, my gosh. Are you kidding me? So have you gotten story love from us before? Yes. What's the experience of getting story love for a story that you sent in to Story Pirates? It felt amazing that you actually read my story, because I know you said quotes for it in the story love, so I know you actually read it. Did it make you feel any way about your writing or your creativity or just writing in general? It made me very proud about my writing. Well, you obviously are an amazing writer, and I'm glad that we're doing the Bookworm. Yeah, I just remember being called the bookworm as a compliment. And I just remember then I was hungry, so I started thinking, what if a bookworm wanted to eat books? And can you explain for anyone who doesn't know what it means when someone calls you a bookworm? It means you love reading books. And what I love about your story is that the whole story is from the perspective of Sylvester, right? Yeah. I sort of thought when I was writing it that Sylvester was, like, doing a little, like, TV show or, like, blog about it. Oh, that's really funny, because that sort of explains how he's talking directly to the reader. Yeah. So you are a bookworm, then, in real life? Definitely. How many books would you say you read a month? Maybe 20. Whoa. Really? I technically read more than that a month, but most of that's just rereading. Reading is so awesome because it's something that you can enjoy equally at any age. Yeah, that's one of the things I love about it. Another thing I love about it is I can go to any place at any time, anywhere. Do you have a place that is your favorite place to read? I have a screen chair in my room, and I like to read curled up on it. I feel like we're so Lucky that we can read. Yeah. I kind of feel bad for, like, the dogs and the tigers who don't have any books and aren't able to read. And the worms. The worms too. And the worms. I had to ask. In your story, it actually ends in a kind of sad way, in my opinion, because the worm has learned about reading and we talked about how wonderful reading is, but at the very end, the last sentence of your story is, wait, I can't read the end. If there was a sequel to this, please tell me that the worm learns how to read the sequel. If I ever write one, it'll call Sylvester Goes to School. Thank goodness. Liana, thank you so much for sending us your story and letting us perform it. Thank you for performing it. This has been my dream for years. Oh, I'm so glad. Bye. Bye, Leanna. Thank you. And now it's time for Story pirates. Roll call. Send us your story. Send us your story. We read them all. You know we love story Pirate roll call. First up, from nine year old Bonnie in New Zealand, we have my pet nose. And I just love the creative premise for this story because it is so weird. Weird in a good way. It's about a hermit crab that lives in a town of hermit crabs that then goes to a store that sells human body parts. And first the hermit crab decides not to buy a human arm even though that would help the hermit crab reach hard to reach places. And then the hermit crab decides not to get a human eyeball because they don't like things watching them. And finally, the hermit crab gets a pet human nose and brings the human nose home named Pinky. And all sorts of really bizarre, awesome shenanigans happen. At that point. You have got to check out this story, Bonnie. Incredible work, my friend. Next, from 8 year old Arlo in Vermont, we have a story called Attack of the Manic. And guess what? This is not a story written down on a piece of paper or typed on a computer. It is a movie. That's right. Arlo, Arlo's sibling and Arlo's dad made a video for us. It is like the greatest feature film I've ever seen. It's hard to describe to you right now, but it involves a manatee that, let's just say the manatee seems to be quite hungry. And I think that this should be nominated for an Oscar. Is it too late for that? I don't think so. Arlo, incredible work. Thank you for sending us your awesome movie. And finally, from six year old David in Oregon, we have something I Have never seen before. It is two stories, Two versions of a story with the same title called the pool of straw. And there's version 1.0 and version 2.0. I just love this idea. They're both pretty short, so I would like to read them too. You. Ahem. The Pool of straw, version 1.0. Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a pool. It was full of water. Well, is that water? No, it's straw. This pool isn't a pool at all. It's the mouth of a gigantic monster full of straw. But the kids in the house where it lays in the backyard of thought it was a pool and got eaten. The end. So you're probably wondering, what's the pool of straw version 2.0 gonna be like? Well, I'll read it to you. Once upon a time, there was a pool of water. And then some aliens came and used their dry ray to dry it up. They used their straw ray to fill it up with straw because they were kind aliens. And they knew the people who lived in that house were farmers. And they also used their other pool ray to turn their straw holder into a pool of water. The end could not be more different. You took the concept of a pool of straw and turned it into something very creative. Twice. David, incredible work. Thank you for sharing. To read all of today's roll call stories, just head to storypirates.com. that was roll call. 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 photo. Kind of like this from Judah, the author of the Throne that Blasted off. Okay, so, Judah, can you describe your photo for me? It's a gumball machine. All right, a gumball machine. And what's your idea for what could be happening in the photo? My parents always say, never swallow. What if gumballs has, like, some sort of secret ability? Like a secret ability that your parents don't want you to know about? Yeah. What kind of secret ability do you imagine? I imagine, like, being able to levitate or, like, tricking your parents into doing whatever you want. Awesome. You see, listeners, sometimes writing a story is about finding an image that inspires you, but still, don't swallow gumballs in real life. Okay. Grown ups can submit stories@storypirates.com 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, Judah and Liana. We'll be back next week with another episode. Until then, stay creative and stay kind by name. 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 Erson and Jack Mattress. Our head writers are Rachel Winitsky and David Sidorov. Contributing writers are Andrew Barbato, Peter McNerney, Megan O'Neill, Lee Overtree, Sam Rogel and Alexis Simpson. Production coordination by Denisa Wartenbee. Episode artwork by Camilla Franklin. This episode features performances by Eric Austin, Chris Ferry, Woody Fu, Kristin Henley, Quinton Johnson, Caroline Lux, Martha Marion, Peter McNerney, Kento Morita, Joshua Nassar, Megan O'Neil, Lee Overtree, Peter Russo, Austin Sanders, Jamie Watson, Rachel Winitski and Nimini Ware. Wow, it's so fun to be at a real baseball game. Peter Lee. I agree. This is so fun. There's so much, I don't know, atmosphere. I know. It's like baseball is in the air or something. I wonder when they'll start playing. It looks like the pitcher is warming up. Yeah. Does it. Does it always take this long? I think so. Couldn't he warm up, like before the game? Yeah, like before we get here. Seems like a better use of his time. Hey, you want another hot dog? Now you're talking. I love baseball.