Waffles/Belinda the Bobble

Summary

Story Pirates Podcast: "Waffles / Belinda the Bobble"

Release Date: May 14, 2026

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Overview

This episode of the Story Pirates Podcast blends sketch comedy, original songs, and kid-written stories with a heartfelt exploration of creativity, self-doubt, and the impact of children’s imaginations. The central thread is a whimsical, “It’s a Wonderful Life”-inspired storyline in which Lee, the host, is shown an alternate reality where he never founded Story Pirates. The episode features two new stories by young authors, “Waffles” by Sophia (age 8) and “Belinda the Bobble” by Imani (age 9), plus a lively, reflective segment called StoryLove, highlighting more standout stories from listeners.

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Episode Structure & Key Discussions

1. Opening & Set-Up (00:07–03:00)

• Lee introduces a Story Pirates/Good Mythical Morning story contest.
• The Story Pirates crew is on a road trip to StorytellerCon, but Lee is secretly anxious and seems to be stalling.
• Comedic tension built around Lee’s lack of a plan and general road trip exhaustion.

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2. Main Story Arc: "It's a Wonderful Life" for Story Pirates (03:00–30:14)

Road Trip to StorytellerCon (03:00–05:05)

• Comedic banter about StorytellerCon and a rivalry with the "Evil Robot Story Pirates."
• Lee's anxieties bubble to the surface, worrying he'll let everyone down.

"Waffles" by Sophia (06:52–14:36)

• [06:52] Sophia introduces her own story, “Waffles.”
• Story Summary:
  • Sophia, the new student council president, unexpectedly bans waffles at her school, leading to anti-waffle propaganda, chaos, and revelations.
  • Her distaste for waffles is humorously and deeply rooted in a disastrous childhood birthday ruined by “Mr. Waffles” the clown.
  • Eventually, through a comic accident, she tastes (and loves) waffles, lifting the ban and embracing a new perspective.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Waffles are bad for people's minds." – Sophia’s sign ([08:20])
  • “It all started on my fifth birthday...” – Sophia recalling her trauma ([11:56])
  • “As student body president, I hereby declare that waffles are not awful. The ban is lifted!” – Sophia ([14:12])

Lee’s Wish & Alternate Reality (14:40–29:12)

• [14:40] After the story, Lee muses, “Sometimes I wish I’d never started the Story Pirates in the first place.” Enter Clearmont d’Angelo, a guardian angel type.

• Whimsical "alternate universe" tour:

  • Story Pirates never exist; everyone is gloomier or unfulfilled.
  • Rolo is a desperate ship salesman, Megan is unhappily working in customer service, Siegfried goes mad on a deserted island.
  • Peter, now CEO of "Evil Story Vikings," is obsessed with money and efficiency, and children’s creativity is outlawed ([26:31]).

• Memorable Moments:

  • “Friendship is outlawed? Of course we outlawed it. Right after we abolished fiction written by kids.” – Peter as CEO ([26:31])
  • The “Imagination Chute” symbolizes creative waste ([27:47]).
  • Lee sees his foot tattoo reappear and reconciles with his love for the Story Pirates ([28:16]).

• Resolution:

  • Lee realizes the value of the creative, weird "family" he helped create.
  • "I've been dreading the end of the road, but tomorrow we arrive at StorytellerCon, and I don't really have a plan... But I'm not afraid anymore because I'm not alone. I have all of you. The weirdest, most creative band of misfits... And most importantly, I have stories written by kids." – Lee ([29:12])
  • The Story Pirates rally together, ready for StorytellerCon. Lee still hasn’t gotten gas.

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3. Story #2: "Belinda the Bobble" by Imani (30:42–38:30)

• [30:42] Imani (age 9, UK) introduces her story about hair accessories at war.

• Story Summary:

  • Belinda, a bauble (hair tie), doesn’t understand the feud between her kind and the hair “claw clips.”
  • She tries (and fails) to fit in with claw clips, then becomes a double agent.
  • Through a flashback, we learn the war started over a trivial hairdo mishap.
  • Belinda brings leaders together, ending the war. The accessories combine to create cool hairstyles.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Why are you explaining this to me, Father?” – Belinda ([31:39])
  • “When you phrase it like that, it does sound quite silly.” – Master Claw Clip ([37:40])
  • “You should probably try and resolve your argument sooner so it doesn't take years to solve it.” – Imani, explaining her story's message ([39:23])

• Author Interview with Imani

  • Discusses her inspiration (playing with hair accessories while her dad did her hair).
  • Shares favorite hairstyles and how creative story-making emerges from everyday activities.
  • "If you're bored, pick up a piece of paper or just say random words and then you can just link them all together and make a story." – Imani ([41:07])

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4. StoryLove: Lee & Peter Celebrate More Kid Stories (41:36–50:06)

• Segment starts at [41:36]

• Story 1: "The Haunted House" by Arlandria (8, South Dakota)

  • Family moves into a spooky house; ghost spray from Sam’s Club saves the day.
  • Discussion of aunts as wise advisors and the necessity of bulk ghost spray. ([43:39]–[44:49])

• Story 2: "The One Flying Penguin" by Ryan (7, Massachusetts)

  • Pip Pip the superhero penguin monitors for crime. Highly visual, storyboard-style. ([46:07]–[46:57])
  • “It’s so funny to have a superhero that’s like, ‘Alright, I’ll see you later. I don’t know what I’m doing.’” – Peter ([46:38])

• Story 3: "What to Do When Your Grandfather Turns Into An Evil French Lobster" by Annabelle (12, Australia)

  • Zany scenario where the evil lobster impersonator is unmasked; only “granny” can set things right.
  • Lee and Peter riff on French accents and mustaches.
  • “Don’t eat lobster or the French evil grandfather lobster will come back…” ([48:32])
  • “So this is not your grandfather turning into an evil French lobster. This is an imposter!” – Lee ([48:34])

• Reflection:

  • Lee and Peter celebrate the creativity and joy that kid-written stories bring.
  • They joke about bulk ghost spray, superhero storytelling, and lobster villains—all in a fun, supportive, and silly tone.

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5. Episode Conclusion & Theme (50:06–End)

• Lee encourages listeners to submit stories and celebrates the diversity of kid creativity.
• Genuine gratitude for the show’s mission:
  • “...I am so glad that I started the Story Pirates, because without the Story Pirates, I could have never inspired so many kids to write their own stories…” – Lee ([After 51:11])

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On creative anxiety:
  • “Look at you, talking to yourself, walking down a long empty road, trying to find a gas station. Face it, you don’t want to find one. Because if you do, you’ll have to actually go to StorytellerCon, where everyone will finally know the truth. That you’re a fraud…” – Lee ([05:05])
• On forgetting one’s impact:
  • “You wish that you never started the Story Pirates. I just granted your wish.” – Clearmont ([14:57])
• On reuniting with his crew:
  • “You’re all here. You’re all still weird. You’re all you.” – Lee ([29:06])
• On confronting conflict early:
  • “You should probably try and resolve your argument sooner so it doesn’t take years to solve it.” – Imani ([39:23])

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The Episode’s Spirit

The episode is a celebration of whimsical, sometimes absurd storytelling power, entwined with affirming messages about embracing creativity, community, and the unique contributions of kids. The playful banter, running gags (waffle-based trauma, foot tattoos, outlawed friendship), and heartfelt moments—especially when Lee sees the world without kid stories—will resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding them that being “weird” and creative is something to cherish, not fear.

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Timestamps: Segment Highlights

| Time | Segment/Event | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------| | 00:07 | Introduction & Story Contest Brief | | 06:52 | “Waffles” by Sophia Begins | | 14:40 | Lee’s Wish/Alternate Reality Storyline | | 30:42 | “Belinda the Bobble” by Imani Begins | | 38:36 | Interview with Imani | | 41:36 | StoryLove Segment Begins | | 43:39 | “The Haunted House” read/discussed | | 46:07 | “The One Flying Penguin” read/discussed | | 47:08 | “What to Do When Your Grandfather Turns Into…” | | 50:06 | Conclusion, Submission Instructions, Credits |

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For New Listeners

This episode exemplifies everything Story Pirates does best: original, laugh-out-loud sketches, clever songs, ingenious kid stories, and an underlying message that young people's ideas and “weirdness” are vital and worth celebrating. If you’ve never listened before, start here for a combination of creative energy, humor, and genuine heart.

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Stay creative and stay kind!

Transcript

[A]

Lemonade.

[B]

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners.

[A]

Lee.

[B]

Here on today's episode, I get to explore an alternate reality where I never founded the Story Pirates. Sounds disturbing. And of course, we have two brand new stories written by kids and more story love with Lee and Peter. But before we get there, I need to tell you about something really exciting. We've teamed up with Rhett and Link from the show Good Mythical Morning for a special story contest to celebrate their new book, Spaghetti Head and Chicken Fingers, about two kids who wake up to discover that their favorite foods have kind of taken over their lives. We want kids to write us stories from their imagination about characters who discover a new meaning behind the phrase, you are what you eat. Maybe like the characters in Spaghetti Head and Chicken Fingers, your character wakes up one day to find out that their life has changed in a new food centric way. And maybe it makes life harder or more interesting in a surprising way. And finally, maybe your character uses this experience to finally be brave enough to try something new to eat. All stories submitted will receive personalized reply from the Story Pirates. And one story will be adapted into a very special bonus episode of the Story Pirates podcast. Grown ups can submit kids stories at the link in bio and make sure to select Spaghetti Head and Chicken Fingers for the reason for submission. Okay, on to today's episode. Coming up after a few words for the grown ups. Ah, how I love driving. This road trip has really been everything I'd hoped it would be and more.

[C]

You said it, Lee. And we're almost to Storyteller Con. I can't believe we're nearly there.

[A]

I was actually gonna say the opposite.

[C]

What do you mean, Rachel?

[A]

I can't believe we aren't there already. We've been driving for months. It's almost like when Lee drives, he's trying to not get there.

[B]

That's not true.

[D]

Whoa, whoa.

[A]

Lee.

[B]

Sorry. Of course I'm trying to get there. It's been my biggest dream ever since I was a little storyteller to do a presentation at StorytellerCon, the most prestigious gathering of storytellers in history. Why would I be avoiding it?

[C]

I don't know. Is it because as we get closer, it's forcing you to face the fact that you don't actually have a plan? And you're worried that the evil robot Story Pirates presentation will convince everyone that performing stories written by kids is not a worthy pursuit, forcing the real Story Pirates to disband?

[B]

Um, no.

[C]

No. Good. Then I guess you're just really bad directions.

[B]

Yeah, that's it. Say I Have an idea. Why don't we stop talking about this and do something totally different?

[A]

All right. How about we listen to something?

[C]

Good idea. Let's listen to a podcast. I have one queued up.

[B]

Hello, human listeners, and welcome to the Evil Robot Story Pirates podcast, where we

[C]

take stories written by kids and fix them.

[B]

And sometimes, specifically this weekend, we go to Storyteller Con to give a thoroughly written, choreographed, and well rehearsed address that is guaranteed to put all the other less prepared presentations to shame. In fact, if we were any of the other presenters, we would give up now and turn our landship around to drive back to the sea.

[C]

And songs.

[B]

Turn it off, Eric. Why would you play that?

[C]

I don't know. They have one song called the Human Story Pirates are Bad. That's actually pretty catchy.

[B]

What?

[A]

Lee, what are you so worried about? I thought you had everything planned for Storyteller Con. You do have a plan, don't you?

[B]

Ha. Of course I do. It's my job to have a plan, and I totally do. What kind of leader would I be if I just led us blindly into Storyteller Con with no plan? I have it all mapped out in my head. I promise there won't be any more surprises.

[A]

Uh oh, Lee, did we just run out of gas again?

[B]

Yes. All part of the plan.

[A]

I love Story Pirates.

[D]

It just filled me up with joy.

[A]

My mom loves the jokes. Yo, yo, my check. It made me very proud about my sightings.

[D]

Yeah, they are. They're gonna take over the world soon. I definitely think I can be more creative now.

[A]

I'm the champion.

[D]

The Sorry Pirates.

[B]

Welcome back to the Story Pirates Podcast, everyone, where we take stories written by kids and turn them into sketch comedy and songs for now. But if Storyteller Con goes as badly as I'm worried it will, this might be the end of the Story Pirates. Some leader you are, Lee Overtree. Look at you talking to yourself, walking down a long empty road, trying to find a gas station. Face it, you don't want to find one. Because if you do, you'll have to actually go to Storyteller Con, where everyone will finally know the truth. That you're a fraud. That you don't know what you're doing. That you've wasted your life away. You know, sometimes I wish I'd never started the Story Pirates in the first place.

[E]

Okay.

[C]

Huh?

[E]

You never started the Story Pirates?

[B]

Who are you?

[E]

The name's Cleermont. Cleermont d'. Angelo. And I'm just a lonely roadside hand bedd salesperson and part Time. Guardian angel. What?

[B]

You're a bell salesperson?

[E]

Yep. You want one? It's only 12. Shipcoin.

[B]

Did you say shipcoin? How do you know about our private currency that only we use? Despite my many attempts to get the rest of the world to buy into it.

[E]

Lee Overtree, I know everything about you. And it really is too bad that you didn't start the story. Pirates.

[B]

Why do you keep saying that?

[E]

Don't worry, we're gonna get into that. But maybe Lee Overtree, the story pirate should enjoy one last story from a kid before he becomes Lee Overtree. Just a guy, huh?

[B]

Okay, whatever you say. Strange man on the side of the road. It doesn't take magic to know that I'll always listen to a story from a kid. Great.

[E]

Let's do it.

[B]

Alright. And here's the author to introduce it.

[A]

Hi, my name is Sophia.

[D]

I'm eight years old and I live in New York.

[A]

This is my story.

[D]

Waffles.

[B]

Students, please welcome your new student council president, Sophia.

[A]

Thank you. As my first official act, I have asked maintenance staff to investigate the weird smell coming from the trash can in hallway A. As my second official act, I am proud to announce that starting today, waffles are banned.

[C]

Well, that's quite the curve ball.

[B]

But as the teacher advisor to the

[C]

student council, I prefer to take a hands off approach. This concludes our assembly. Back to class, everyone.

[A]

Um, hey, Sophia, can I talk to you? Oh, it's my best friend, Kerry. What's up? So, banning waffles, that kind of came out of nowhere, huh? I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I campaigned on it. No, I was your campaign manager. And you definitely didn't. You campaigned on having having a theme for homecoming that wasn't forever young for once. And I'll fulfill that promise. But I should have added the waffles thing. I hate waffles. But why?

[B]

Oh, you want to know why?

[A]

Yes, that's why I asked. I'll tell you why. It's because I. Ew. I stepped in a waffle. Who could have done this?

[C]

Hey, Carrie. Hey, Sophia. Sorry about my waffle. I must have dropped it. Bye.

[A]

Bye, Trevor. I hate waffles. Stepping on a waffle doesn't seem like a good reason to hate waffles. Stop saying waffles. I've had enough of waffles. I need everyone to hate waffles Now. Who's saying waffles? Anyway, how are you supposed to get everyone to hate them? With the oldest trick in the book. Advertising. I'll make Some signs with slogans and put them all over school. Hand me that marker. Here you go. There. All done. Go ahead and read it. Waffles are bad for people's minds. Is that true? Probably. Now read this sign. Waffles make people's brains soggy like syrup. Sophia. What? The research is vague. It seems extreme. And you still didn't explain why you hate waffles so much. You'll see. Once everyone hates waffles at school. Tomorrow I'm back at school ready to see how my anti waffle propaganda campaign went. I have a feeling things are gonna be sticky. Looks like you stepped in another waffle. Who did this?

[C]

Hey, Sophia. Hey, Carrie.

[A]

Trevor, is this your waffle?

[C]

My bee. I must have dropped it when I was carrying a whole stack of waffles.

[A]

You are carrying a whole stack of waffles.

[C]

Demand is through the roof after those waffle posters went up yesterday. People can't stop eating waffles. I guess the poster gave them the idea.

[A]

But the posters were anti waffles.

[C]

Huh. I guess most of us stopped reading after we saw the word waffle. Well, bye.

[A]

Bye, Trevor. But waffles are banned. Sophia, maybe you should let this anti waffle crusade go. Why do you hate waffles so much anyway? Oh, you really wanna know? Yes. I asked you before, but you got distracted when you stepped in that waffle. Curse that waffle. It's time to ban them from the entire world. How are you gonna do that? First, I'll make new signs with the word waffle, but spelled awful with a w so that everyone thinks waffles are awful. Then I'll use my power as student council president to hold an assembly to vote on whether to ban waffles so we can finally banish waffles from the world. Sorry, that wasn't supposed to happen. Now help me make some signs. Done. Now to put up all these signs and then come back for the big waffle vote tomorrow.

[B]

Students, welcome to the school wide waffle ban vote assembly.

[C]

Why is this happening? We teachers really try to stay out of the student council business.

[B]

Please welcome your new student council president, Sophia.

[A]

Fellow students, thank you for coming to today's waffle ban vote. As your president, I am excited to take the first step into a waffle. The whole floor is covered in them. And look into the crowd. Everybody's munching on waffles.

[C]

Hey, everyone.

[A]

Waffle fight. Now the students are throwing waffles like Frisbees. I never saw such a monstrosity. Oh, my goodness. She fell onto the floor. Sophia, are you okay? I'm fine. I'm just dramatically showing my disappointment. Give me a hand here. Up you go. Thanks. Now to deal with these waffles once and for all. But why do you hate waffles so much?

[B]

Oh, you really want to know?

[A]

Do you all really want to know? Yes. It all started on my fifth birthday.

[B]

Happy birthday, dear Sophia Happy birthday to you.

[A]

Thanks, mom and dad. Time to blow out my candles.

[B]

Hilarious.

[C]

You sure do love being funny, Sophia.

[A]

That's why I've hired a special surprise for you. A clown. Come on in, Mr. Waffles. Mr. Waffles. That name is hilarious.

[C]

Hey. Hiya.

[A]

Meep, meep. Mr. Waffles, don't you know you're silly?

[C]

That's the point. Now to do my best trick. Juggling some torches lit with fire.

[B]

Oh, I don't know if that's a good idea, Mr. Waff.

[C]

Loud and clear, dad.

[B]

In that case, I'll do my second best trick.

[C]

Juggling torches that aren't on fire. Here I go.

[B]

Wow, he's actually doing it.

[A]

Impressive.

[C]

See? I told you I'm a total professional. I would never drop. Oh, whoops.

[A]

He dropped a torch right on my cake. That cake looks pretty unstable. I think it's going to fall over. The cake fell over under my presents. My birthday is ruined. Mr. Waffles, I think you'd better leave. Yeah.

[C]

Meep, meep.

[A]

And from then on, I hated waffles. Still, it doesn't seem like actual waffles were at fault. Quiet. I'm on a tirade. Listen here, fellow students. It is time to vote to ban waffles once and for all.

[C]

Can she do that?

[B]

It's out of my hands.

[C]

Hey, Sophia, catch this waffle waffle.

[A]

I would never, ever.

[C]

Gah.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. The waffle landed right in Sophia's mouth. Sophia, what do you think? This waffle is amazing. Is this what I've been missing all these years? Just because of some misplaced anger? Yes. Does this mean you no longer want to ban waffles? As student body president, I hereby declare that waffles are not awful. The ban is the leg lifted.

[B]

Hooray. Sophia, I'm so glad that you learned

[C]

that your anger was misdirected and I

[B]

didn't need to intervene once. Now, who wants to see me juggle some torches?

[A]

Juggle torches. Wait a minute. Mr. Waffles.

[B]

Uh. Oh.

[A]

The end.

[E]

Wow, that was a great story.

[B]

I'll say. I loved that one.

[E]

Well, it's too bad that we don't live in that world anymore. The world in which the story pirates take stories written by kids and turn them into sketch comedy and songs.

[B]

Alright, that's it. Would you stop saying creepy stuff?

[E]

Wasn't my idea. You wish that you never started the story pirates. I just granted your wish.

[B]

Yes, I did start the story pirates. If I didn't, then why do I have this story Pirates logo secretly tattooed on the bottom of my foot?

[C]

See?

[E]

I don't see anything.

[B]

Huh? My secret foot tattoo. It's gone.

[E]

Because you never got it. Le.

[B]

What's going on?

[E]

You ever see that movie It's a Wonderful Life?

[B]

No.

[E]

Really?

[C]

Hmm.

[E]

This is a lot easier to explain if you've seen the movie. Hey, should we watch it? Never mind. I guess I'll just have to show you.

[B]

Show me what?

[E]

What the world is like without the story pirates. Come with me. Where?

[B]

We're in the middle of nowhere.

[E]

Oh, are we?

[C]

Whoa. What was that?

[B]

Hey, we're at a dock. What is this place?

[E]

You don't recognize?

[B]

No. Take me back to my ship. Take me back to the tidal wave.

[E]

But it's right here.

[B]

What? That's not the. Hello, stranger.

[C]

Are you looking to buy an old, broken down pirate ship?

[B]

Please say that you are. I'm desperate, Rolo. You know my name.

[C]

You must have gotten one of my

[B]

advertisements that I've been putting in glass

[C]

bottles and throwing overboard. Though I ran out of bottles and ink a long time ago, so I've just been dropping blank people pieces of paper into the water. I'm really surprised that it worked.

[B]

Rollo, what happened to you? Your mustache is so long that it's dragging on the ground. Please buy this ship or take me with you. My life is meaningless sitting here in this old boat tied up to this dock. But I already did. Remember? Season one, Episode one? I used all of Peter's life savings to buy this ship. And we set sail not knowing that none of us knew how to sail.

[A]

What?

[B]

Who's Peter?

[C]

Row.

[B]

Lao.

[A]

What's all this racket out here? Smitty, don't you know I'm trying to avoid all social interaction in this ship? Because no one has ever tried to understand me.

[B]

Smitty, it's me, Lee.

[C]

Good for you, Lee.

[A]

Now leave me alone. I have a world to ignore.

[B]

Come on, Rolo.

[A]

Make me some more flavorless harbor water soup.

[C]

Coming, Spitty. Goodbye, stranger.

[B]

Clearma. They acted like they didn't know me.

[E]

Why have you not been listening? They've never met you because you never came to buy this ship. It's just been sitting Here, rotting away.

[B]

But what about all the rest of the story pirates? One of them must remember me.

[E]

Why don't we take a look, huh?

[B]

Where are we now?

[A]

Hello, thank you for calling Printer Co. Limited customer service. My name is Megan. How can I help you?

[B]

Megan. She works in an office, but she once told me that she was, quote, unquote, literally allergic to desks.

[E]

Instead of becoming a story pirate, she wrote and performed a one woman show called Dictionary, the Musical that was so detested that one critic said, quote, I spoke to all the other critics and we hereby ban Megan from theater. She hasn't stepped on a stage since.

[B]

I don't believe it. Even without the story pirates, she would still be an actor. She would never stop performing.

[A]

Oh, I'm sorry you're having trouble with your printer. Let me connect you with my manager. One moment, please.

[D]

To sit in solemn silence.

[A]

Hey, this is Tony. I'm a real guy. How can I help you?

[B]

Oh. Oh, poor Megan.

[E]

Without the story pirates, she lost her purpose.

[B]

I don't know, maybe she's happy doing this. Finding little ways to perform. Maybe this is the purest theater of all.

[A]

Wow, that is quite a problem. Carla, let me connect you with my manager. Hello, it's me, the queen of the call center. I'm also a real guy.

[B]

Never mind. This is just sad.

[E]

Not as sad as this next one.

[C]

Huh?

[B]

Where are we now?

[E]

You don't recognize it? It's the deserted island where you were stranded between seasons one and two.

[B]

Oh, yeah, the island where Siegfried was stranded for nearly a millennium. Ah, Siegfried, that's right.

[C]

Though I can't be sure how long it's actually been. I've literally run out of surfaces to mark the days, so I. I've started tattooing check marks onto my face. I don't have a mirror, though.

[A]

How does it look?

[B]

Uh, good.

[C]

Hmm.

[B]

Even though I know that you two

[C]

are just illusions brought on by my island madness, I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must continue my decades long staring contest with this rock. I call it the Ragnarok

[A]

Blake, you trickster rock.

[B]

Clearmont. Please, no more.

[E]

Oh, we've only just begun. Come with me.

[D]

Huh?

[B]

Where are we now? The bridge of a spaceship.

[A]

Is that Captain Nimini? The enemy is hailing us. Lieutenant Luffa, put them on screen. Well, well, well, look who it is. Hello, Captain Nimini. Lieutenant Luffa. Admiral Rachel of planet Rachel. Why have you encroached on Earth's orbit? You know that Achus has jurisdiction over this quadrant of space. And you know that until we track down our missing Rachel, our planets are at war. Admiral, how many times do I need to ask which Rachel are you talking about? You come from a planet full of millions of Rachels. That's the problem. This Rachel is the one Rachel in the universe who doesn't have a thing, unlike the rest of us. Like Cowgirl Rachel here. Yee haw. Or Sleepy Rachel.

[C]

What?

[A]

Sorry. Or Ventriloquist Rachel. Are you talking about me or this dummy here? Hey, watch it, you knucklehead. The Rachel we seek is aimless. She jumps from job to job, never staying long enough to establish an identity which has made it nearly impossible to find her. But if you don't deliver her, we will have no choice but to invade your planet and find her ourselves. If Luffa and I have learned anything from our wandering the galaxy alone, with no friends, family, or moral support system to guide us, it's that we can always rely on one thing. What's that? Fighting Fire. Everything we've got. Return fire. Whoa.

[B]

What's happening?

[E]

This is probably a good time to get out of here.

[B]

Wait.

[E]

Come on.

[B]

Stop this, Claremont. I don't want to see any more. Please, no more.

[C]

Excuse me, do you have an appointment?

[B]

Peter.

[C]

You'll need an appointment if you want to talk to me. Peter. CEO of the Evil Vikings Incorporated.

[B]

Evil Story Vikings. Gaaaassp.

[D]

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

[B]

Hey, grown ups. Today's episode is sponsored by Children Incorporated. What if changing the world started with something as simple as helping one child go to school? Not someday. Not when they grow up. Right now. At Children Incorporated, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream big. But for many children living in poverty, everyday challenges can stand in the way. Sometimes it's not having shoes that fit. Sometimes it's missing school supplies. Sometimes it's food, warm clothing, or basic hygiene items that make it harder to focus, harder to participate, and harder to stay in school. That's where Children Incorporated comes in. For more than 60 years, Children Incorporated has been helping children both in the US and around the world by removing the barriers that prevent education. And here's what makes it special. It's personal. They work with trusted volunteer coordinators, often teachers, principals, and community leaders, who personally know the children and families they serve. These are the people who see firsthand what a child needs and make sure support goes exactly where it should. So when you sponsor a child through childrenincorporated. Org, you're not just making a donation. You're helping One important child. Your monthly sponsorship provides clothing, shoes, school supplies, food, hygiene items and other essentials that help children stay healthy, confident and ready to learn. It's practical help with life changing impact. And for parents listening, this is also a beautiful opportunity to show your own children what kindness in action looks like. Imagine being able to tell your child we're helping another child go to school. Imagine teaching them that generosity isn't just something we talk about, it's something we do. Because sometimes the most powerful lessons we give our kids have nothing to do with homework. They come from showing compassion, choosing empathy, and helping someone else feel seen and supported. And because Children Incorporated works through volunteer coordinators in the community, about 88% of every dollar goes directly to program support. That means your sponsorship makes a real immediate difference. If you've been looking for a simple, meaningful way to help and maybe even inspire your own family along the way, this is a wonderful place to start. Visit childrenincorporated.org today to choose a child to sponsor. Because changing the world doesn't always start with something big. Sometimes it starts with helping one child believe a future is possible. Again, that's children incorporated.org. The Evil Story Vikings Peter, what have you done?

[C]

What have I done? I've become the best, best person on earth.

[B]

How are you the best person?

[C]

Because I've made the most money, of course. Is there any other way to measure it?

[B]

Yes. By how kind and generous you are. By the positive effect that you have on others.

[C]

What? I have literally never heard that.

[B]

You didn't used to be like this. Peter. What happened?

[C]

Well, stranger, when I was younger, all I did was eat snacks, used my overactive imagination and save my money up, hoping that someday someone with more vision than I would use my life savings to force me into a bold and creatively satisfying direction. But when that didn't happen, I just invested it all into a well balanced portfolio of fixed income and equities, which I guess blossomed into a fortune.

[B]

So you started a company called the Evil Story Vikings?

[C]

Yes. Don't you see? Like a Viking, life has plundered my dreams and left me very sad. But also rich. I want that for everyone. So I started this company whose mission it is to get all people to abandon their passions for the blind pursuit of money.

[B]

First of all, that is incredibly convoluted. Second of all, how does a company make money by doing that?

[C]

I honestly don't know. But I keep getting richer somehow, so it must be good.

[B]

Peter, this isn't you. You're not a CEO. You're a goof. You like snacks. And you're my friend.

[E]

Friend?

[C]

How dare you? Don't you know that we outlawed friendship?

[B]

Friendship is outlawed?

[C]

Of course we outlawed it. Right after we abolished fiction written by kids.

[B]

There's no more stories from kids.

[C]

I mean, what's the point? Just a bunch of fantasy. Say, you never told me how you got in my office. Internet.

[B]

Get in here.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[C]

Ah, yes, intern, what's your name again?

[A]

My name? It's a young adult without a mustache, sir.

[C]

Gasp.

[B]

Baby with a mustache. You grew up. And you shaved.

[A]

Of course. Why would anyone want to stay a baby? Everyone knows human beings are useless until they grow up. What? That's what dear Peter Leader has taught us. To celebrate the ideas and words of adult adults and under no circumstances. Children.

[B]

But kids are creative geniuses.

[C]

How dare you. Intern, Call security.

[A]

Right away, sir.

[B]

Claremont, we have to do something. Claremont? Where'd he go?

[C]

You'll pay for your crimes. Security here.

[B]

Eric, not you. Shouldn't you be out exploring the ocean or something?

[C]

Exploring? Pfft. That's far too creative. Security is a much more practical use of my time. Seize this creatively unashamed. Man. Ain't gotcha.

[B]

Hey, get your hands off me.

[C]

Send him down the imagination Chute.

[B]

What's the imagination Chute?

[C]

Oh, just a giant garbage chute that I use to dispose of all creativity.

[B]

Where does it go?

[C]

Don't know, don't care. Send him down into the chute, buddy.

[B]

No, please. I'm sorry, Clearmon. I take it back. I want to be a story pirate.

[C]

Off you go.

[A]

I want to be a story.

[B]

Huh? Wait, where am I? Back on the side of the road. Clearmont, where are you?

[C]

Wait.

[B]

The bottom of my foot.

[C]

Gasp.

[B]

Oh, tattoo. There you are. The bottom of my foot. You're so beautiful I could kiss you. I gotta change my socks more often. The tidal wave. Where are you? Ah, there it is. Story pirates. Story pirates.

[A]

Lee, what is it?

[C]

Why are you yelling? You interrupted Megan's one woman show.

[A]

Thank you, Loofah. The cherography is my favorite part too.

[C]

Still want the spotlight on you, Megan Rolo? Has she ever said no to that question?

[A]

Hey, why is everyone yelling up here? You interrupted my midday nap. Yeah, mine too. Has anyone seen my bottle?

[C]

Oh, sorry. Is this your bottle? I think I accidentally drank it. Wow, that is sour.

[B]

You're all here. You're all still weird. You're all you.

[C]

Uh, thanks.

[B]

Listen, I have something to admit. I've been afraid the whole time we've been driving. I've been Dreading the end of the road. But tomorrow we arrive at storytellercon, and I don't really have a plan.

[A]

You don't?

[B]

No. But I'm not afraid anymore, Rachel, because I'm not alone. I have all of you. The weirdest, most creative band of misfits, actors, Vikings, pirates, babies, referees, explorers, aliens and whatever.

[C]

Peter is just a little itchy and bloated. Too much milk.

[B]

But most importantly, I have stories written by kids. And tomorrow, we're going to stand up in front of the whole storytelling community, and we are going to proudly celebrate the words and ideas of young people. Who's with me?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then let's go.

[A]

Leigh, did you actually get gas while you were out there?

[B]

I did not, Rachel. I did not.

[C]

Hmm.

[A]

Why don't we do another story while you go back and get some?

[B]

Okay, listeners, this next story is about a bauble. Now, when I first read this story, I didn't actually know what a bauble is, but I found out that it's something you use in your hair to make cool hairdos. In America, you might call it a hair tie or a ponytail holder, but they're also called bobbles, especially in the uk, where this author is from. Here they are to introduce their story.

[D]

Hi, I'm Imani. I'm nine years old and live in Nottingham, England. This is my story. Belinda the Bobble.

[A]

Father, I'm going out to play Belinda the Bobble.

[C]

You wait just one minute. With whom are you going to play?

[A]

Why does it matter?

[C]

Why does it matter? Belinda, we are hair accessories living in a human bathroom closet. Whom you play with is all that matters. As you know, there are two kinds of hair accessories in this cabinet. The claw clips, which are two hard plastic pieces connected with a hinge to grab and hold the hair in place, like the jaws of a. I know father. And us bobbles. Each of us bobbles is made from an elastic band with two hard plastic beads on each end that a human can use to tightly wrap a pony or pigtail by wrapping it and then securing the elastic band around one of the plastic bobbles.

[A]

Why are you explaining this to me?

[C]

It's important to know the difference. Because of the Great War.

[A]

Is it true that the claw clips and bobbles are at war with each other?

[C]

It is all too true. Every human's hair has looked terrible since it started.

[A]

How did it start?

[C]

Nobody knows except the leader of the claw clips, Master Claw Clip, and our leader, the Empress of Bubbles.

[A]

Well, I think it's silly, and I'll prove it to you. I'm going to go play with some claw clips. Bye, Belinda. No.

[C]

I guess she'll have to learn the hard way.

[A]

So then I said French braid. More like dandruff. Hello, fellow hair accessories of the cabinet. It's a fine morning, isn't it? Uh, Bobble?

[C]

Why are you talking to us? Don't you know we're claw clips?

[A]

Of course I know that. I'm a claw clip too.

[C]

You don't look anything like a claw clip.

[A]

Who's to say what a claw clip should look like? Maybe I'm a claw clip because I've decided to be a claw clip. If you're a claw clip, then show

[C]

us how you can open and close like we can.

[A]

Sure. Okay. Here I go. See?

[C]

You're way too flexible to be a claw clip.

[A]

Come on, guys.

[B]

Let's get out of here.

[C]

See you around, Bobble.

[A]

Ugh. Fine. If the claw clips reject me, then I choose to be a bauble. I will go to our leader, the Empress of Baubles, and volunteer my services to the Empress. Attention, Bobbles. I, your Empress, am displeased. Not one of you has brought me any useful information on Master Claw Clip's next move. Please, Empress, if I may. What is it, Advisor Scrunchy? The humans are inquiring when this great war might be resolved.

[C]

They're outside the cabinet now.

[A]

See, my hair is lopsided. And not in a cool artistic way.

[C]

My fringe is in my eyes. My part. It's in the middle.

[A]

Somebody help. Enough. I don't need to hear the squabbles of those frizzy, frivolous fools. What I need is a spy. I can do it. Who are you? Belinda the Bauble, your Empressness. I've made myself a claw clipped disguise. See? See? I'm a claw clip. Belinda, was it? Yes, Empress. I want you to sneak into Master Claw Clip's office. That's what he calls the shoe box on the shelf in the cabinet where the claw clips are kept. And bring me back useful intel on what he'll do next. Don't disappoint the Empire. I won't, Empress. To Master Clawclip's office.

[C]

Attention, Clawclips. I, Master Clawclip, am displeased. Not one of you has brought me any useful information on Empress Bauble's next move. Do we have any good spies in

[A]

this shoebox right here? Master Clawclip. My name's Belinda, and I'll spy on the Bauble Empire.

[C]

What makes you think you can fit in among the baubles. Belinda, you look like a claw clip to me.

[A]

Let's just say I'm flexible.

[C]

Okay, that's all I need to hear. I'm going to bed. If you need me, I'll be in my mansion.

[A]

You have a mansion?

[C]

Well, it's a private shelf in the cabinet. But yes. I'm trusting you in my office alone. Let's go. Everyone else.

[A]

Wow. I don't want to brag, but I'm like, really good at being a double agent. Okay, let's look over Master Claw Clip's desk. Master Claw Clip's diary. Let's see. February 29th, many years ago.

[B]

Whoa.

[A]

Flashback.

[D]

Nice.

[C]

Hey, yeah.

[A]

Yee hair.

[C]

Ye hair. Accessories of the cabinet. The human Queen approaches. Empress?

[A]

Did you hear the Queen?

[C]

I have a sneaking suspicion it is to do with her hairdo for the leap year celebration.

[A]

She knows that we two together make the coolest hairstyle. But before she gets here, I must give my baubles a good shine. Tell the Queen I shall be there soon.

[C]

As you wish, Empress.

[A]

Empress. She's here.

[B]

How shall I do my hair today?

[C]

My Queen, says I. Master Claw Clip, ready to make your hair cool.

[A]

And where is the Empress of Bubbles? Well, she. Never mind. I'll just use another claw clip.

[C]

Who, me? No, My Queen, I beg you.

[A]

And clipped.

[C]

There.

[A]

I'm back. Wait. What's happening here? Empress Bubble, I can explain. You let the Queen replace me with another claw clip.

[C]

Hey, how you doing?

[A]

I declare a great war between the bubbles and the claw clips. And you can put that in your diary. Oh, I will. This war has been over. A personal tiff. But aren't they all? No matter how it started, it's up to me to tie up split ends to Master Claw Clip. A Master Claw Clip. Hello? Go away.

[C]

It's two in the morning. Oh, it's you, Belinda. What are you doing over here on my shelf? I mean, my mansion.

[A]

I have something to tell you. First of all, I'm not a clawclip.

[C]

What are you?

[A]

Costume reveal. You're a bauble who's read your diary. And really, was it worth starting a war over the Queen's hairdo?

[C]

When you phrase it like that, it does sound quite silly.

[A]

You need to meet the Empress right now and talk this out. Did someone say my name? Empress. What are you doing out and about so early?

[C]

Ah, give me a break. Master Claw Clip, it has come to my attention that perhaps we should end our war.

[A]

Never. Oh, come on. You two used to wait work together to make Hair. So cool.

[C]

The cabinet, it's opening.

[A]

How to do my hair Today, the queen. Oh, there you are. Empress of Bubbles. Finally, I can use you and Master Claw Clip together to make cool hairstyles for everyone. Yay.

[C]

The war is over. Wow. Wow. Good ending.

[A]

The end. And now Lee speaks with the author.

[B]

So, Imani, you wrote Belinda the Bauble. How did you come up with the idea for that story?

[D]

Well, my dad was plaiting my hair. I used bobbles because the claw clips don't fit in my hair. So I just play with the claw clips. I was like, but why story about them?

[B]

Do you own a lot of bobbles? If so, how many do you think you own?

[D]

20? Because I have, like, a couple of scrunchies, and then I have loads of little fin bobs.

[B]

And how many claw clips do you have in your house?

[D]

About seven, eight.

[B]

Watch out, claw clips. The baubles are coming for you.

[D]

Yeah, they are. They're gonna take over the world soon.

[B]

Are there any lessons that people should take away from this fight between Master Claw Clip and Empress of Baubles?

[D]

You should probably try and resolve, like, your argument sooner so it doesn't take, like, years to solve it.

[B]

Got it. So I love in your story how at the very end, they make cool hairstyles for everyone. Can you describe what your, like, favorite cool hairstyles are?

[D]

Probably, like, loads of little plaits because, like, I can put them up and down and, like, I can just put them in lots of different positions.

[B]

Hairstyles are such a funny thing. Like, hair is such a part of our personality and who we are. Don't you think?

[D]

Yeah, I agree. Because, like, everyone. Everyone's different. Like, everyone's hair is different. It's long, it's short, it's wide, it's poofy, it's curly, it's straight. Like, there's so many different things you can do with your hair and, like, what your hair looks like.

[B]

Have you ever had your hair a certain way that made you feel really good when you left the house and you just thought, this is really me?

[D]

I think when I have plaits, because, like, my dad can do, like, three plaits, and it looks different to, like, loads of plaits? And I really like it. My dad helps with my hair a lot.

[B]

And so when you and your dad are doing that and you're just sort of, like, sitting around, how do you pass the time? Do you talk? Do you watch something? Like, what do you do during that time?

[D]

Well, I read and I make stories. We'll just say, like, random things out loud and then it just comes into a story.

[B]

That's amazing. You know, like, I think when people think about times during their day when they're feeling creative enough to make up stories. I'm not sure, like, doing your hair is a time that a lot of people think about it, but it sounds like for you it can be a creative time.

[D]

Yeah. Like, if you're bored, pick up a piece of paper. Or, like, just say random words and then you can just link them all together and make a story.

[B]

That's amazing. Imani, it was so wonderful to talk to you. Thank you for letting us perform your story.

[D]

Thank you too.

[B]

All right, thanks, Imani.

[C]

Bye.

[A]

Bye.

[D]

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

[B]

Welcome back to StoryLove, where we take stories written by kids and then we talk about them. Peter?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Hi.

[C]

Hi. How are you? I'm in. I'm in a great mood. Wow.

[B]

Are you? Everything okay?

[C]

Yeah, but my. My tone is broken, but I'm very happy.

[B]

Okay, great.

[C]

You're just gonna have to trust me on this one. Sorry. Oh, okay. I fixed it. Oh, wow.

[B]

Welcome back. Would you like to read this first one, Peter?

[C]

Very much so. I would leave. This first story comes to us from an 8 year old from South Dakota named Arlandria. And Arlandria's story is called the Haunted House. Ooh, spooky. It was a dark and gloomy night. The story begins with a family in a house in a graveyard. Sophie and her parents, Linda and Dave, just moved in. Their cat Lily and dog Oliver loved the house. Oliver loved the house because there were so many bones.

[B]

Red flag. Red flag.

[C]

Lily likes it because there were so many sheets.

[B]

Yellow flag. Yeah, still a flag.

[C]

The family didn't like it. It is so scary, said Sophie. Yes, it is. Agreed, Linda and Dave. Since we got here so late, I think we should go to bed, said Linda. Yeah, agreed Dave. Night, whispered Sophie.

[A]

Ooh.

[C]

Sophie screamed and ran to her mom and dad's mom. Dad, there is a ghost. Yelled Sophie. The house is haunted. Said Linda. Yes, it is, whispered Sophie.

[A]

Oh.

[C]

Everybody screamed. They hid under the blankets until dawn. When they woke up, Sophie called her aunt about the ghost. Her aunt said, go to Sam's club and get ghost spray. And it works. So they lived happily ever after. The end.

[B]

I love this story. And one reason I love it is because it has something that's always been true for me. When in doubt, ask your aunt.

[C]

Yeah. Ants know so much. So many Things so much.

[B]

And they're not corrupted by whatever is going on in the immediate vicinity that you're in.

[C]

True. They're also not ultimately responsible for you.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

So they don't have to think through the consequence of their advice. Right?

[B]

That's right. They give you the clearest, the raw information. That's right. Go to Sam's club. Which has everything, apparently.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Go spray.

[C]

I love a Sam's club.

[B]

I've never been to Sam's club.

[C]

I have.

[A]

Have.

[C]

I just like being a part of something.

[B]

Do you think that they needed to buy like 25 ghost sprays?

[C]

Oh, well, you're required to. You have to get sort of like a half barrel.

[B]

Right.

[C]

Ounce for ounce. Fluid ounce for fluid ounce. Best price on the market.

[B]

I'm hoping that it's like an aerosol.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And not like a. Like a pump liquid.

[C]

Oh, like. Like a weed. Like a weed repellent. One of these.

[B]

Gotta put it all over the walls.

[C]

You gotta put a tent over the house.

[B]

Oh my gosh.

[C]

Sorry. We gotta spray for ghosts.

[B]

Oh my gosh.

[C]

You gotta go to the other graveyard for the weekend.

[B]

So the, you know, so the house was on a graveyard. Built on a graveyard. And the goat. The bones

[C]

strewn about.

[B]

They're strewn about in the house. Whatever the. Whoever the ghosts were, these were their bones, I'm assuming.

[C]

Well, when you're in a graveyard, you really. The bones could come from anywhere. Now, one of the things I love about this story is that Sophie and her parents, Linda and Dave, are having a very different experience than Oliver and Lily the dog.

[B]

Lily and Oliver love the bones.

[C]

They're like, this place is great. And I think this dog is maybe digging up these bones. Ooh, you think so?

[B]

From the graveyard or.

[C]

I mean, or there are. If there are bones strewn about. This is a very haunted house.

[B]

Yeah, I think there's just bones strewn about.

[C]

So there's like. Like skeletons around. Like this. The spooky walk around kind.

[B]

No, I think they're just the. The former bones of whoever the ghosts were.

[C]

Oh, wow. So. So this is a very spooky house. This is a very haunted house.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Obviously. Incredible story, Lee.

[C]

You want to read this next story?

[B]

I would love to. From a 7 year old in Massachusetts named Ryan. Here is. Is the one flying penguin.

[E]

Who.

[B]

This is Pip Pip the penguin. Hi. He can fly, but he can't fly. Accurate. That's him flying. Inaccurately. I. I assume he is also a superhero. He saves the day and goes back to his base. He looks at his security cameras for crime. And he goes to fight crime. The. The end.

[C]

It's so funny to have a superhero that's like, all right, I'll see you later. I don't know what I'm doing.

[B]

I honestly feel like there's a good chance, Ryan, you're gonna be a filmmaker in some way. The. The storyboards that you've done here, very visual. Unbelievable. So visual.

[C]

Love it.

[B]

Anything else?

[C]

I love it.

[B]

Yeah, me too, Ryan.

[C]

Oh, also, kudos. I love it.

[B]

All right, Peter, would you like to read our last story?

[C]

I sure would. This story comes to us from a 12 year old from Australia named Annabelle. And Annabelle's story is called what to do when your grandfather turns into an evil french lobster.

[B]

Thank you. I've been wondering what happens when your

[C]

grandfather turns into an evil French lobster. He locks your actual grandfather in a closet.

[D]

It.

[C]

He chases you around, refuses to cook you seafood. He grows along a moustache. Said how it's written. He twirls his long moustache, he puts you in timeout, and you have to sit in the TV room, but only watch documentaries on the marvelous growth of sea algae. To defeat your French evil grandfather lobster, you have to rip his moustache off and go tell granny he hogged the TV and stole biscuits from the jar. Granny will go tell him off, and the French evil grandfather lobster will feel threatened by granny and run away. You now have permission to go untie your non French, totally normal lobster free grandfather from the closet. You can all be happy now, but just please, please, I'm begging you, don't eat lobster or the French evil grandfather lobster will come back. Don't ask me why, because I don't know the end.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Wow, wow.

[B]

So this is not your grandfather turning into an evil French lobster. This is an imposter.

[C]

Yeah. At first you think that's what's happening.

[B]

Okay, yeah, you're right.

[C]

Then you realize that he's been abducted

[B]

right in a closet.

[C]

Yeah, he's just actually right over there. Yeah, but he's.

[B]

Yeah. And he. And this evil French lobster only comes when you eat lobster.

[C]

Yeah. Oh, so he's a defender. So he's a lobster.

[B]

He's really a hero.

[C]

Yeah, he's just sending the lobsters from these evil humans who eat them.

[B]

You ever see the pictures from, like, California and like, the 40s where there's like a strong guy on the beach that, like, dove down and like, picked up a huge lobster? They're just. They were everywhere. They were like the rats of the sea.

[C]

What are these lobsters everywhere? We hate these lobsters.

[B]

Is that the California guy?

[C]

This is the California guy being like, I love lobsters. I'm from Los Angeles. I'm a lobsterman. Oh, boy. I should visit Boston where they actually have them.

[B]

Well, can you do. Speaking of accents, could you do an evil French lobster? Do you have an idea of what that accent sounds like?

[C]

This is what happens when your father turns into an evil French lobster. Ha ha. This is my mustache.

[B]

Amazing. To be clear about that line, it says he grows along moustache and it's spelled M O O S T a C H and then in parenthetical said how it's written.

[C]

So that's why we're saying mustache, following the direction. Also, it's a more fun way to say mustache.

[B]

Mustache.

[C]

Mustache.

[B]

Mustache. That's like granny telling him off.

[A]

Now you get out of here, you lobster. Granny.

[C]

Grandfather. He goes, I'm getting out of here.

[B]

And guess what, Grown ups. You can find an even longer and visual version of today's story love on YouTube. And while you're there, why not subscribe to our channel and make sure to watch new videos each week. And Grown up storylove isn't just the name of a segment on our show. It's also the name of our incredible corporate volunteer program to find out more about StoryLove or StoryQuest, our digital creative writing program, or Story Pirates Changemakers, our nonprofit arm. Check the show notes for links. That's it for today's episode. Thanks to today's authors Imani and Sophia. And guess what? You can still send us your stories and we respond to every single one. Grown Ups. Your link to submit stories is in the show notes for today's episode. We'll be back next week with another brand new episode. Until then, stay, stay creative and stay kind.

[A]

Bye.

[B]

The Story Pirates podcast is a production of Story Pirates Studios, executive produced by Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salka. Co executive producers are Holly and Rizwan Kasim, Manya Lissi, Aaron Moore, Murray Sampson, Jack Schaefer and Jacob Vaughn. This episode was produced by Isabela Ricky and Sam Baer, Christina Grosse Peach, Peter McNerney, Lee Overtree and Brittany Stahl. Recording sound design and mixing by Sam Baer at the Relic Room in New York City. Additional production by Brett Toobin. Theme song by Bobby Lord. Musical scoring by Eric Gerson and Jack Mitchell. Our head writer is Peter McNerney. Staff writers are Megan O' Neill and Alexis Simpson. Contributing writers are Lee Overtree, Rachel Robertson and Alex Alexis Simpson. Episode Artwork by Camilla Franklin. This episode features performances by rick anderson, eric austin, colin batten, langston darby, sasha diamond, quentin johnson, justin coon, caroline lux, anna marr, mary McDonald, peter mcnerney, kyle moore, megan o', neil, lee overtree, dave quinones, rebecca, robert robles, anna rock, peter russo, julia schroeder, rachel winitsky, nimini ware, matt zambrano, and brandon zelman. Hey, everybody. I just have to say, and I'm being completely honest and genuine here, but I am so glad that I started the story pirates, because without the story pirates, I could have never gotten my own private luxury bathroom. I mean, I mean, without the story pirates, I could never have inspired so many kids to write their own stories, and I never would have gotten my own private luxury bathroom. And believe me, it really means so much to me to have my own private luxury bathroom. I mean, it means so much to me to be able to inspire kids and to have my own private luxury bathroom. I promise that for as long as I am able, I am always going to continue using my own private luxury bathroom. I mean, I promise I'm going to continue to help inspire kids to write their own stories, and I'm going to use my own private luxury bathroom. It is so nice in there.