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[00:02]
A
Lemonade. Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here. Welcome back to Story Pirates Summer. It's time for a summer story challenge leaderboard update. If you can believe it, we still have new kids jumping into the leaderboard. Pretty exciting if you ask me. The creativity in this group is astounding. Let's get into it. In first place, from Washington, we have 10 year old Ethan, followed by good old Tabitha, an 11 year old from Arizona. And in third place, 8 year old Gus in Canada, followed by Raffi, a 6 year old in Rhode Island. Brooklyn, a 10 year old in Pennsylvania. Maya, a 7 year old in Colorado. Huxley, a 9 year old in California coming in at seventh place. And Acadia, 6 year old from Massachusetts is in eighth. At nine, we have a tie between Alessandro, an 8 year old in Spain, and Ziva, a 5 year old in Arizona. And rounding out the top 10 is Kurt, an 11 year old from Pennsylvania. Great work, individuals on the leaderboard. In the group leaderboard, of course, Zev and Rubin is in first still with Theo, Richard and Elliot coming in at second. In third, Zach, Ben, Vivian, Violet from Canada. And in fourth, Sawyer, Brady and Landon from New Jersey. Rounding out the top five, we have a tie between Robin and Jude in Connecticut and Georges and Arthur in Canada. Incredible work groups. And here's something cool. On today's episode, we have an interview with the current number two on the group leaderboard. That's right, Thea, Richard and Elliot. Richard. We go into some of their favorite stories that they've submitted and they share tips on how to get started writing your own story. You can see the leaderboard right now@storypirates.com Leaderboard Remember, even if you don't make it on the leaderboard, everyone who participates gets a certificate at the end of the summer. And story. Love telling you how much we loved your stories. We want to read as many stories as we can. We're going to be updating the leaderboard every week@storypirates.com leaderboard and I'll be shouting out kids here on the podcast Grown Ups. You can find links to the leaderboard and find out how to get your kids involved in the summer story challenge in the show. Notes for today's episode. Okay, onto today's brand new episode after a few more words for the grown Ups.
[02:41]
B
Wow. I love story pirates. It just filled me up with joy.
[02:52]
C
Loves the jokes.
[02:54]
B
Yo yo, my check. It made me very proud about my writing. Yeah, we're just getting like really deep into like, I want to say philosophies. I definitely think I can Be more creative. Now I'm the champion. The Story Pirates.
[03:15]
A
It's the Story Pirates podcast. Have you heard a funny or cute story about how two people met for the first time? Sometimes these kinds of stories are meet cutes. Or sometimes they're called Weird Meats. Or at least they are now. Here's today's author to introduce their story.
[03:35]
B
Hi, my name is Oliver. I'm 10 years old and I live in Kentucky. This is my story, Weird Meats.
[03:47]
C
You've heard of meet cutes, but have you heard of Weird Meats? Well, get ready cause this is Weird Meats, the show in which we talked to couples whose first meetings could only be described as weird meets. Weird meets. Weird meets. When they first met, they were weird meets. Yeah. Let's meet our first contestants.
[04:09]
B
Wait, we're competing?
[04:11]
C
I don't know. Tell us your names.
[04:13]
B
I'm Amelia, and this is my husband, Mr. Billy Bob III.
[04:17]
C
How are ya? Tell me, Mr. Billy Bob III, how did you and your wife meet? Well, Amelia was always a pranker. Sounds adorable. It wasn't. It was weird. I remember it like it was yesterday. Let's roll the video.
[04:34]
B
Wait, what video?
[04:36]
C
Ah, it's me, Mr. Billy Bob III, walking around on a totally normal day.
[04:41]
B
Excuse me, stranger.
[04:42]
C
Yes.
[04:43]
B
I couldn't help but notice that you are dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume.
[04:47]
C
Your point is?
[04:49]
B
Well, you see, I thought you were my friend Rachel, who also likes to wear inflatable dinosaur costumes. So I may have sprayed fart spray into your costume.
[04:57]
C
Fart spray in my costume. But I don't smell any. Oh, there it is.
[05:03]
B
Woof. Ah. Help.
[05:05]
C
Oh, wow. It's actually really bad.
[05:08]
B
Say, you're a good dancer.
[05:10]
C
You think so? Hey, this is wild, but do you want to get a cup of coffee with me?
[05:15]
B
Yes, I do.
[05:18]
C
Aw. And that's how we met.
[05:21]
B
Who took that video?
[05:22]
C
That really was a weird meet. Thank you. It was. All right, let's meet our next contestants. What are your names? I'm Mr. Willy Robbie Jr. And this is my wife Amy.
[05:35]
B
Hello.
[05:36]
C
Tell us about your weird meet.
[05:39]
B
Well, we don't have a video like they did, so roll the video. Wait, what? All right, I know for many of you this is your first time skydiving. But don't worry, once you get out there, your training will kick in. Any questions?
[05:56]
C
I have one.
[05:57]
B
Yes, you. The man dressed as an axolotl.
[06:00]
C
What should one do if they accidentally packed an axolotl costume instead of a parachute jump? Anyway,
[06:10]
B
you're funny.
[06:11]
C
Thanks, but that was a real question.
[06:14]
B
Hey, do you want to get a cup of coffee?
[06:17]
C
I do.
[06:18]
B
Let's go.
[06:25]
C
Aw. And we've been together ever since. Wow, that certainly was a weird meet.
[06:32]
B
Who was filming that? It was cutting between multiple cameras.
[06:36]
C
Let's meet our next couple. Tell us, what are your names? I'm Sir William, and this is my wife, Emily. How do you do? Tell us, how did you two meet? Well, we did make a video.
[06:51]
B
Watch this. General, the monster has entered the city. He's crushing buildings wherever he steps. I have no choice but to fight him.
[07:00]
C
Good thing I'm already in my mech suit.
[07:03]
B
Jetpack activated. There you are, monster. Get ready to fight. What a helmet. You're also a person in a giant mech suit.
[07:22]
C
I am. Say, do you want to get a cup of coffee with me?
[07:27]
B
Very much so. Yes.
[07:30]
C
That actually wasn't the video we made.
[07:32]
B
What was that?
[07:33]
C
It was a weird meat. No, seriously, what was that? We'll be right back with more Weird Meats. Are you tired of plain old hamburgers,
[07:48]
B
Boring chicken tenders, lame lamb chops? Then come on down to Weird Meats. We sell weird Meats.
[07:54]
A
Welcome to Weird Meats. What can I get for you?
[07:57]
C
I like the woolly mammoth meatloaf, please. With a side of poison dart frog nuggets and vulture wings.
[08:03]
B
You got it. Wow, those are some weird meats. Now back to Weird Meats.
[08:10]
C
Hello and welcome back to Weird Meats, sponsored by Weird Meats. Next time you're at any participating weird, mention our show, weird meats for 3% off limited edition Weird Meats. Weird Meats. Weird Meats now at Weird Meats. Now back to Weird Meats. Next. Contestants, tell us who you are.
[08:30]
A
Well, my name is so sorry, but
[08:32]
C
my producer is telling me that we are almost out of time. We're going to have to rapid fire these next ones. How did you two meet?
[08:39]
A
Well, we were stuck in the same walk in freezer together for about seven years, but didn't know the other person was there until.
[08:46]
C
Boring. Next.
[08:47]
B
Well, she was a bounty hunter and I'm Holly Hunter One day.
[08:51]
C
Heard that one before. Next. Well, I used to be a really big horse. Next. We met in our dreams. We met in a club for folks who don't want to meet people we just met backstage. I'm a ghost and he's the house that I haunt.
[09:11]
B
I'm sorry, what does the buzzer mean? Are all these contestants out? Do you really not think these are weird Meets?
[09:16]
C
Oh, they are defin Weird Meets. Just not as weird.
[09:20]
B
As weird as what?
[09:22]
C
As weird as Mine. Roll the video.
[09:24]
B
Who is producing these videos?
[09:28]
C
Ah, it's me, the host of this show, but in the past. Time to do a backflip off this diving board in front of this crowd of people. Do it. Here I go. Oh, no. Look, he's flipped his pants off. Now I'm gonna fall into that. Ooh. Pool filled with jelly beans. And look, your pants fell into that other pool filled with baked beans. Now a dog is licking my underwear. Bad dog. Why are you dancing? Because I always dance whenever I'm eating a pickle and oreo with mayonnaise sandwich. Is the bread made out of sand? Yes. Why are you gasping so much? Cause that's my favorite sandwich. Wait a second. I know you. You're you, but from the future. Wow. Nice to meet you. Me. This is a pretty weird meat. The weirdest meet. It sure was.
[10:35]
B
What is happening?
[10:37]
C
Well, no one can top that. This week's winner of Weird Meats is once again, me. Great job, me. Thanks. Me.
[10:46]
B
This show doesn't make sense.
[10:47]
C
Yes, it does.
[10:48]
B
But the end. We'll be right back after a few words for the grown ups.
[10:55]
A
Hey, grown ups. Today's episode is sponsored by Ollie. Back to school season is here. Packed backpacks, packed lunches, and packed schedules are officially back. Luckily, this episode is sponsored by Olli, your back to school wellness partner. It feels like summer just started, but I guess that's how it goes. The kids that I know are excited about starting a new school year. New teachers, new friends, new classrooms, maybe even a new school. So getting plenty of rest is really important. And I know some kids that use Story Pirates podcast to fall asleep. But if that's not quite working for you, Ollie, Kids sleep helps little dreamers wind down with a gentle blend of melatonin, l theanine, and botanicals for restful sleep. Translation. An easy way to put those school night negotiations to bed. And for the grown ups, Ollie, sleep helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Because, as you know, the morning mayhem comes early. Visit ollie.com and stock up on back to school must haves today. That's O L L y dot com. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. And now, please enjoy my interview with our current number two on the group leaderboard, Theo, Richard, and Elliot. Hey, guys. How are you?
[12:27]
B
Good.
[12:28]
A
So you're Theodore. Who's Richard?
[12:31]
B
Me.
[12:31]
A
And where's Elliot?
[12:33]
B
I'm Ed.
[12:34]
A
You guys, I'm so excited to talk to you. You've written us so many stories this summer. I think you've written, like, 70 stories so far. Is that right?
[12:44]
B
Exactly.
[12:45]
C
Wow.
[12:45]
A
And you're number two right now on the group leaderboard.
[12:49]
B
Yep.
[12:50]
A
Can I ask you guys, first of all, what's the experience been like for you writing so many stories this summer?
[12:55]
B
It's been awesome. Richard likes reading books and getting ideas from it. Elliot and I will usually together on writing stories, and I'm kind of the editor. I type it all out on the computer.
[13:08]
A
That's amazing. Do you three work together a lot on creative projects?
[13:12]
B
Yes. Yeah. Yeah. We usually will work together. Sometimes we'll be individuals, but usually we'll work together on it.
[13:21]
A
Let's talk through some of the stories that you guys submitted. Once Upon a Time. Do you remember that one?
[13:29]
B
That's one that we all did together. The way we wrote that one was like, Elliot started with the Once Upon a Time, and then Richard added some, and then I finished it.
[13:40]
A
It's like the story itself is a metaphor for how hard it is to come up with ideas for stories. Right?
[13:47]
B
Yeah.
[13:47]
A
The narrator thinks that they don't have an idea, but they don't realize that all around them, something amazing is happening. That's really worthy of writing a story about. Yeah. Do you have any suggestions for kids out there that want to write a story of their own? Or maybe they want to write more stories and they just have trouble coming up with ideas. Kind of like the narrator in that story we just talked about.
[14:08]
B
Think of something totally random and then create a backstory.
[14:12]
A
Amazing. Can you explain what a backstory is?
[14:14]
B
Like, the Flash apparently was in his lab, and he got hit by lightning, which gave him super speed. That's kind of like his backstory, his origin story, like how he got his power. Yep.
[14:26]
A
Got it. And can you do that for characters that even aren't superheroes?
[14:30]
B
Yep, yep, yep.
[14:31]
A
Can you think of any examples of that? How about Dr. Crazy, which you guys wrote a bunch of stories about, right?
[14:38]
B
Yeah. I also love writing series. So, like, Dr. Crazy is like an evil, evil scientist because he actually was licked by a radioactive dog. The dog had enhanced brain chips, which the DNA from its tongue got on his hand, and then he suddenly became super smart so we could create a bunch of stuff.
[15:01]
A
You said that you like writing a series. Why do you like writing a series versus, like, a single story? How is it different?
[15:07]
B
I don't really love writing whole giant books of that, but when there's, like, more to a story, you would Usually create a series instead of a whole big novel. And sometimes you finish your first book, but then you have a great idea and you're. I should make this. This into a series. That happened to me a lot while I was writing my Dr. Dog series.
[15:30]
A
Here's one more story of yours, and it's called Popsicle Perfection. Popsicle are perfect. I am nothing without them. They are better than anything. Oh, mine melted cinnamon buns are wonderful.
[15:44]
C
The end.
[15:45]
B
So we all went to a cabin, and it was super hot and smoky. So I was like, oh, popsicle school would be great. I'm like, see, I'm gonna write story about how good they are. But then at the last second, I'm like, I'm gonna make this like a joke, because the point of a joke is to switch expectations because you would think that there would be a giant reaction. But then he's just like. He just bounces back immediately, and he's like, simmons buns are wonderful.
[16:09]
A
Yeah. He just moves on to whatever's in front of him. So I have one last question for you guys. Are you guys all big readers in addition to being writers?
[16:18]
B
Yup. Yes. Yes. Even Elliot, who can't read, he still likes looking at all the pictures and storybooks. Yeah, he loves it. My favorite one is Winnie the Pooh, Theodore and Richard.
[16:30]
A
Do you guys have favorite books right now?
[16:32]
B
My favorite series that I've ever read is probably Keeper of the Lost Cities. I don't really have a favorite story because they're all so wonderful. I am reading through Harry Potter right now.
[16:44]
A
You guys, I am so impressed with all of the stories that you've written this summer. They are all so amazing, and I'm so grateful that you have jumped into the summer stories challenge with so much heart and energy. You guys are just the best. Thank you so much for talking to me today.
[17:03]
B
Thanks for calling.
[17:05]
A
You're so welcome. Good luck with the rest of the summer, and I can't wait to read all the rest of the stories that you write.
[17:10]
B
Thanks again.
[17:11]
A
Bye.
[17:12]
B
Bye. Bye.
[17:16]
A
That's it for today's episode. Big thanks to Oliver. And don't forget to check out the summer story challenge leaderboard@storypirates.com leaderboard and check back every week to see how everyone is doing. Most of all, turn on your imagination and start writing some stories, because being creative is its own reward. Creator club members, we'll see you next Monday for an exclusive bonus episode. And everyone else, we'll be back next week with another one as well. Until then, stay creative and stay kind.
[17:48]
B
Bye.
[17:52]
A
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 Kassim, Manya Lissi, Aaron Moore, Murray Sampson, Jack Schaefer and Jacob Vaughn. This episode was produced by Isabel Erricchio, Sam Baer, Peter McNerney and Lee Overtree. 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 Erson and Jack Mitchell. Our head writer is is Peter McNerney. Staff writers are Megan O' Neil and Alexis Simpson. Weird Meets was Adapted by Peter McNerney. Episode artwork by Camilla Franklin. This episode features performances by peter johnston, julie marciano, peter mcnerney, megan o', neil, lee overtree, andrew warner, and heather woodward.
[19:01]
C
Weird beats, Weird beats When they first met, they were weird beats Yeah.

Summary5 min read

Story Pirates Podcast - Episode Summary

Episode Title: Weird Meets
Date: July 30, 2026
Host: Story Pirates
Featured Kid Author: Oliver (10, Kentucky)
Group Leaderboard Guests: Theodore, Richard & Elliot

Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode of the Story Pirates Podcast revolves around the transformative power of kids’ storytelling, showcased through the featured sketch "Weird Meets" by ten-year-old Oliver. The episode explores playfully absurd story concepts, celebrates creative collaboration, and dives into interviews with top contributors from the ongoing Summer Story Challenge, inspiring listeners—kids and grownups alike—to embrace and share their imaginations.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Summer Story Challenge Leaderboard Update

[00:02-02:41]

Host Lee gives a lively rundown of the current leaderboard for the Story Pirates Summer Story Challenge.
Highlights standout writers and groups from around the globe.
Encourages participation—emphasizes everyone gets a certificate, not just leaderboard toppers.
Sets up the featured interview with the group currently ranked #2.

Quote:

“The creativity in this group is astounding. Let’s get into it.” – Lee [00:17]

2. Sketch: “Weird Meets” by Oliver

[03:34-10:48]

Premise: A comedic “meet cutes” parody show called "Weird Meets", featuring increasingly bizarre first-encounter stories between pairs.
Hosts and Contestant Characters: Over-the-top, silly dialogue; a game show format.
Absurd Story Highlights:
- Prank gone wrong involving fart spray and inflatable dinosaur costumes.
  - “I may have sprayed fart spray into your costume.” – [04:53]
- Skydiving mishap with an axolotl costume packed instead of a parachute.
  - “What should one do if they accidentally packed an axolotl costume instead of a parachute?” – [06:00]
- Giant mech suit showdown leading to impromptu coffee invitation.
- Rapid-fire even weirder “meet” scenarios (getting stuck in a freezer for 7 years, dream meetings, “I used to be a really big horse”, ghost/haunted house pairing).
Escalation: Culminates in the host’s own bewildering back-in-time “weird meet” with himself, involving lost pants, pools of jelly beans/baked beans, and more.
- “I always dance whenever I’m eating a pickle and Oreo with mayonnaise sandwich. Is the bread made out of sand? Yes.” – [09:01]
Running Jokes: Characters keep wondering: “Who is producing these videos?” and “What is happening?”

Memorable Moments:

“Say, you’re a good dancer.”
“Because I always dance whenever I’m eating a pickle and Oreo with mayonnaise sandwich. Is the bread made out of sand? Yes.” – [09:01]
“This show doesn’t make sense.” – [10:45]
“Yes, it does.” – [10:47]

3. Mini Commercial Spoof: “Weird Meats”

[07:47-08:09]

Absurd faux-advertisement for a restaurant selling things like “woolly mammoth meatloaf” and “poison dart frog nuggets”.

4. Interview: Theodore, Richard & Elliot—Summer Story Challenge Leaders

[12:26-17:11]

Lee speaks with second-place group leaderboard writers: Theodore (the main spokesperson), Richard, and Elliot.
Their Collaborative Writing Process:
- Draw upon reading books for ideas, collaborate by taking turns, and type stories together.
- Theodore acts as the main editor, working at the computer.
- Sometimes they work as individuals; usually as a team.

Quote:

“Richard likes reading books and getting ideas from it. Elliot and I will usually together on writing stories, and I’m kind of the editor. I type it all out on the computer.” – Theodore [12:55]

Story Highlights:
- “Once Upon a Time”—meta-story about struggling for inspiration; group wrote it together sequentially.
  - “The narrator thinks that they don’t have an idea, but they don’t realize that all around them, something amazing is happening.” – Lee [13:46]
- “Dr. Crazy” series—origin story for an “evil, evil scientist” who gains powers after being licked by a radioactive dog.
  - “The dog had enhanced brain chips, which the DNA from its tongue got on his hand, and then he suddenly became super smart...” – [14:41]
- “Popsicle Perfection”—comedic story about loving popsicles, ends with a twist towards cinnamon buns.
  - “The point of a joke is to switch expectations because you would think that there would be a giant reaction. But then he just bounces back immediately, and he’s like, cinnamon buns are wonderful.” – [15:44]
Advice for Young Writers:
- Start with a totally random idea and give it a backstory or origin story—even if the character isn't a superhero.
  - “Think of something totally random and then create a backstory.” – [14:07]

Their Favorite Reads:

“Keeper of the Lost Cities” series.
Harry Potter.
Even youngest member Elliot, who can’t read yet, loves looking at storybook pictures, especially “Winnie the Pooh.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On writing as a team:

“The way we wrote that one was like, Elliot started with the Once Upon a Time, and then Richard added some, and then I finished it.” – Theodore [13:28]
On series writing:

“Sometimes you finish your first book, but then you have a great idea and you’re—‘I should make this into a series.’” – [15:17]
On bouncing back from disappointment (in “Popsicle Perfection”):

“But then he just bounces back immediately, and he’s like, cinnamon buns are wonderful.” – [15:44]
On inspiration:

“Even if you don’t make it on the leaderboard, everyone who participates gets a certificate at the end of the summer. And story. Love telling you how much we loved your stories.” – Lee [01:18]

Important Timestamps

Leaderboard Update: [00:02-02:41]
Sketch Intro & Oliver’s Introduction: [03:14-03:47]
"Weird Meets" Sketch: [03:47-10:48]
Weird Meats Commercial: [07:47-08:09]
Interview with Theodore, Richard & Elliot: [12:26-17:11]

Tone & Style

Light-hearted, silly, welcoming, and encouraging.
Full of quick, quirky jokes and surreal, kid-friendly humor.
Both the sketch and the interviews use a conversational, inclusive style designed to embolden young listeners to share their own stories.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode celebrates creative absurdity and teamwork. If you love wild storytelling—like skydivers in animal costumes, prank encounters gone awry, or time-bending jelly bean pool mishaps—“Weird Meets” will keep you in stitches. You’ll also get practical, peer-to-peer writing advice from group leaderboard champions. The message is clear: every idea has value, writing with friends is fun, and the weirdest stories often make the best ones.

Loading summary

Transcript117 lines

[00:02]
A
Lemonade. Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here. Welcome back to Story Pirates Summer. It's time for a summer story challenge leaderboard update. If you can believe it, we still have new kids jumping into the leaderboard. Pretty exciting if you ask me. The creativity in this group is astounding. Let's get into it. In first place, from Washington, we have 10 year old Ethan, followed by good old Tabitha, an 11 year old from Arizona. And in third place, 8 year old Gus in Canada, followed by Raffi, a 6 year old in Rhode Island. Brooklyn, a 10 year old in Pennsylvania. Maya, a 7 year old in Colorado. Huxley, a 9 year old in California coming in at seventh place. And Acadia, 6 year old from Massachusetts is in eighth. At nine, we have a tie between Alessandro, an 8 year old in Spain, and Ziva, a 5 year old in Arizona. And rounding out the top 10 is Kurt, an 11 year old from Pennsylvania. Great work, individuals on the leaderboard. In the group leaderboard, of course, Zev and Rubin is in first still with Theo, Richard and Elliot coming in at second. In third, Zach, Ben, Vivian, Violet from Canada. And in fourth, Sawyer, Brady and Landon from New Jersey. Rounding out the top five, we have a tie between Robin and Jude in Connecticut and Georges and Arthur in Canada. Incredible work groups. And here's something cool. On today's episode, we have an interview with the current number two on the group leaderboard. That's right, Thea, Richard and Elliot. Richard. We go into some of their favorite stories that they've submitted and they share tips on how to get started writing your own story. You can see the leaderboard right now@storypirates.com Leaderboard Remember, even if you don't make it on the leaderboard, everyone who participates gets a certificate at the end of the summer. And story. Love telling you how much we loved your stories. We want to read as many stories as we can. We're going to be updating the leaderboard every week@storypirates.com leaderboard and I'll be shouting out kids here on the podcast Grown Ups. You can find links to the leaderboard and find out how to get your kids involved in the summer story challenge in the show. Notes for today's episode. Okay, onto today's brand new episode after a few more words for the grown Ups.
[02:41]
B
Wow. I love story pirates. It just filled me up with joy.
[02:52]
C
Loves the jokes.
[02:54]
B
Yo yo, my check. It made me very proud about my writing. Yeah, we're just getting like really deep into like, I want to say philosophies. I definitely think I can Be more creative. Now I'm the champion. The Story Pirates.
[03:15]
A
It's the Story Pirates podcast. Have you heard a funny or cute story about how two people met for the first time? Sometimes these kinds of stories are meet cutes. Or sometimes they're called Weird Meats. Or at least they are now. Here's today's author to introduce their story.
[03:35]
B
Hi, my name is Oliver. I'm 10 years old and I live in Kentucky. This is my story, Weird Meats.
[03:47]
C
You've heard of meet cutes, but have you heard of Weird Meats? Well, get ready cause this is Weird Meats, the show in which we talked to couples whose first meetings could only be described as weird meets. Weird meets. Weird meets. When they first met, they were weird meets. Yeah. Let's meet our first contestants.
[04:09]
B
Wait, we're competing?
[04:11]
C
I don't know. Tell us your names.
[04:13]
B
I'm Amelia, and this is my husband, Mr. Billy Bob III.
[04:17]
C
How are ya? Tell me, Mr. Billy Bob III, how did you and your wife meet? Well, Amelia was always a pranker. Sounds adorable. It wasn't. It was weird. I remember it like it was yesterday. Let's roll the video.
[04:34]
B
Wait, what video?
[04:36]
C
Ah, it's me, Mr. Billy Bob III, walking around on a totally normal day.
[04:41]
B
Excuse me, stranger.
[04:42]
C
Yes.
[04:43]
B
I couldn't help but notice that you are dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume.
[04:47]
C
Your point is?
[04:49]
B
Well, you see, I thought you were my friend Rachel, who also likes to wear inflatable dinosaur costumes. So I may have sprayed fart spray into your costume.
[04:57]
C
Fart spray in my costume. But I don't smell any. Oh, there it is.
[05:03]
B
Woof. Ah. Help.
[05:05]
C
Oh, wow. It's actually really bad.
[05:08]
B
Say, you're a good dancer.
[05:10]
C
You think so? Hey, this is wild, but do you want to get a cup of coffee with me?
[05:15]
B
Yes, I do.
[05:18]
C
Aw. And that's how we met.
[05:21]
B
Who took that video?
[05:22]
C
That really was a weird meet. Thank you. It was. All right, let's meet our next contestants. What are your names? I'm Mr. Willy Robbie Jr. And this is my wife Amy.
[05:35]
B
Hello.
[05:36]
C
Tell us about your weird meet.
[05:39]
B
Well, we don't have a video like they did, so roll the video. Wait, what? All right, I know for many of you this is your first time skydiving. But don't worry, once you get out there, your training will kick in. Any questions?
[05:56]
C
I have one.
[05:57]
B
Yes, you. The man dressed as an axolotl.
[06:00]
C
What should one do if they accidentally packed an axolotl costume instead of a parachute jump? Anyway,
[06:10]
B
you're funny.
[06:11]
C
Thanks, but that was a real question.
[06:14]
B
Hey, do you want to get a cup of coffee?
[06:17]
C
I do.
[06:18]
B
Let's go.
[06:25]
C
Aw. And we've been together ever since. Wow, that certainly was a weird meet.
[06:32]
B
Who was filming that? It was cutting between multiple cameras.
[06:36]
C
Let's meet our next couple. Tell us, what are your names? I'm Sir William, and this is my wife, Emily. How do you do? Tell us, how did you two meet? Well, we did make a video.
[06:51]
B
Watch this. General, the monster has entered the city. He's crushing buildings wherever he steps. I have no choice but to fight him.
[07:00]
C
Good thing I'm already in my mech suit.
[07:03]
B
Jetpack activated. There you are, monster. Get ready to fight. What a helmet. You're also a person in a giant mech suit.
[07:22]
C
I am. Say, do you want to get a cup of coffee with me?
[07:27]
B
Very much so. Yes.
[07:30]
C
That actually wasn't the video we made.
[07:32]
B
What was that?
[07:33]
C
It was a weird meat. No, seriously, what was that? We'll be right back with more Weird Meats. Are you tired of plain old hamburgers,
[07:48]
B
Boring chicken tenders, lame lamb chops? Then come on down to Weird Meats. We sell weird Meats.
[07:54]
A
Welcome to Weird Meats. What can I get for you?
[07:57]
C
I like the woolly mammoth meatloaf, please. With a side of poison dart frog nuggets and vulture wings.
[08:03]
B
You got it. Wow, those are some weird meats. Now back to Weird Meats.
[08:10]
C
Hello and welcome back to Weird Meats, sponsored by Weird Meats. Next time you're at any participating weird, mention our show, weird meats for 3% off limited edition Weird Meats. Weird Meats. Weird Meats now at Weird Meats. Now back to Weird Meats. Next. Contestants, tell us who you are.
[08:30]
A
Well, my name is so sorry, but
[08:32]
C
my producer is telling me that we are almost out of time. We're going to have to rapid fire these next ones. How did you two meet?
[08:39]
A
Well, we were stuck in the same walk in freezer together for about seven years, but didn't know the other person was there until.
[08:46]
C
Boring. Next.
[08:47]
B
Well, she was a bounty hunter and I'm Holly Hunter One day.
[08:51]
C
Heard that one before. Next. Well, I used to be a really big horse. Next. We met in our dreams. We met in a club for folks who don't want to meet people we just met backstage. I'm a ghost and he's the house that I haunt.
[09:11]
B
I'm sorry, what does the buzzer mean? Are all these contestants out? Do you really not think these are weird Meets?
[09:16]
C
Oh, they are defin Weird Meets. Just not as weird.
[09:20]
B
As weird as what?
[09:22]
C
As weird as Mine. Roll the video.
[09:24]
B
Who is producing these videos?
[09:28]
C
Ah, it's me, the host of this show, but in the past. Time to do a backflip off this diving board in front of this crowd of people. Do it. Here I go. Oh, no. Look, he's flipped his pants off. Now I'm gonna fall into that. Ooh. Pool filled with jelly beans. And look, your pants fell into that other pool filled with baked beans. Now a dog is licking my underwear. Bad dog. Why are you dancing? Because I always dance whenever I'm eating a pickle and oreo with mayonnaise sandwich. Is the bread made out of sand? Yes. Why are you gasping so much? Cause that's my favorite sandwich. Wait a second. I know you. You're you, but from the future. Wow. Nice to meet you. Me. This is a pretty weird meat. The weirdest meet. It sure was.
[10:35]
B
What is happening?
[10:37]
C
Well, no one can top that. This week's winner of Weird Meats is once again, me. Great job, me. Thanks. Me.
[10:46]
B
This show doesn't make sense.
[10:47]
C
Yes, it does.
[10:48]
B
But the end. We'll be right back after a few words for the grown ups.
[10:55]
A
Hey, grown ups. Today's episode is sponsored by Ollie. Back to school season is here. Packed backpacks, packed lunches, and packed schedules are officially back. Luckily, this episode is sponsored by Olli, your back to school wellness partner. It feels like summer just started, but I guess that's how it goes. The kids that I know are excited about starting a new school year. New teachers, new friends, new classrooms, maybe even a new school. So getting plenty of rest is really important. And I know some kids that use Story Pirates podcast to fall asleep. But if that's not quite working for you, Ollie, Kids sleep helps little dreamers wind down with a gentle blend of melatonin, l theanine, and botanicals for restful sleep. Translation. An easy way to put those school night negotiations to bed. And for the grown ups, Ollie, sleep helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Because, as you know, the morning mayhem comes early. Visit ollie.com and stock up on back to school must haves today. That's O L L y dot com. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. And now, please enjoy my interview with our current number two on the group leaderboard, Theo, Richard, and Elliot. Hey, guys. How are you?
[12:27]
B
Good.
[12:28]
A
So you're Theodore. Who's Richard?
[12:31]
B
Me.
[12:31]
A
And where's Elliot?
[12:33]
B
I'm Ed.
[12:34]
A
You guys, I'm so excited to talk to you. You've written us so many stories this summer. I think you've written, like, 70 stories so far. Is that right?
[12:44]
B
Exactly.
[12:45]
C
Wow.
[12:45]
A
And you're number two right now on the group leaderboard.
[12:49]
B
Yep.
[12:50]
A
Can I ask you guys, first of all, what's the experience been like for you writing so many stories this summer?
[12:55]
B
It's been awesome. Richard likes reading books and getting ideas from it. Elliot and I will usually together on writing stories, and I'm kind of the editor. I type it all out on the computer.
[13:08]
A
That's amazing. Do you three work together a lot on creative projects?
[13:12]
B
Yes. Yeah. Yeah. We usually will work together. Sometimes we'll be individuals, but usually we'll work together on it.
[13:21]
A
Let's talk through some of the stories that you guys submitted. Once Upon a Time. Do you remember that one?
[13:29]
B
That's one that we all did together. The way we wrote that one was like, Elliot started with the Once Upon a Time, and then Richard added some, and then I finished it.
[13:40]
A
It's like the story itself is a metaphor for how hard it is to come up with ideas for stories. Right?
[13:47]
B
Yeah.
[13:47]
A
The narrator thinks that they don't have an idea, but they don't realize that all around them, something amazing is happening. That's really worthy of writing a story about. Yeah. Do you have any suggestions for kids out there that want to write a story of their own? Or maybe they want to write more stories and they just have trouble coming up with ideas. Kind of like the narrator in that story we just talked about.
[14:08]
B
Think of something totally random and then create a backstory.
[14:12]
A
Amazing. Can you explain what a backstory is?
[14:14]
B
Like, the Flash apparently was in his lab, and he got hit by lightning, which gave him super speed. That's kind of like his backstory, his origin story, like how he got his power. Yep.
[14:26]
A
Got it. And can you do that for characters that even aren't superheroes?
[14:30]
B
Yep, yep, yep.
[14:31]
A
Can you think of any examples of that? How about Dr. Crazy, which you guys wrote a bunch of stories about, right?
[14:38]
B
Yeah. I also love writing series. So, like, Dr. Crazy is like an evil, evil scientist because he actually was licked by a radioactive dog. The dog had enhanced brain chips, which the DNA from its tongue got on his hand, and then he suddenly became super smart so we could create a bunch of stuff.
[15:01]
A
You said that you like writing a series. Why do you like writing a series versus, like, a single story? How is it different?
[15:07]
B
I don't really love writing whole giant books of that, but when there's, like, more to a story, you would Usually create a series instead of a whole big novel. And sometimes you finish your first book, but then you have a great idea and you're. I should make this. This into a series. That happened to me a lot while I was writing my Dr. Dog series.
[15:30]
A
Here's one more story of yours, and it's called Popsicle Perfection. Popsicle are perfect. I am nothing without them. They are better than anything. Oh, mine melted cinnamon buns are wonderful.
[15:44]
C
The end.
[15:45]
B
So we all went to a cabin, and it was super hot and smoky. So I was like, oh, popsicle school would be great. I'm like, see, I'm gonna write story about how good they are. But then at the last second, I'm like, I'm gonna make this like a joke, because the point of a joke is to switch expectations because you would think that there would be a giant reaction. But then he's just like. He just bounces back immediately, and he's like, simmons buns are wonderful.
[16:09]
A
Yeah. He just moves on to whatever's in front of him. So I have one last question for you guys. Are you guys all big readers in addition to being writers?
[16:18]
B
Yup. Yes. Yes. Even Elliot, who can't read, he still likes looking at all the pictures and storybooks. Yeah, he loves it. My favorite one is Winnie the Pooh, Theodore and Richard.
[16:30]
A
Do you guys have favorite books right now?
[16:32]
B
My favorite series that I've ever read is probably Keeper of the Lost Cities. I don't really have a favorite story because they're all so wonderful. I am reading through Harry Potter right now.
[16:44]
A
You guys, I am so impressed with all of the stories that you've written this summer. They are all so amazing, and I'm so grateful that you have jumped into the summer stories challenge with so much heart and energy. You guys are just the best. Thank you so much for talking to me today.
[17:03]
B
Thanks for calling.
[17:05]
A
You're so welcome. Good luck with the rest of the summer, and I can't wait to read all the rest of the stories that you write.
[17:10]
B
Thanks again.
[17:11]
A
Bye.
[17:12]
B
Bye. Bye.
[17:16]
A
That's it for today's episode. Big thanks to Oliver. And don't forget to check out the summer story challenge leaderboard@storypirates.com leaderboard and check back every week to see how everyone is doing. Most of all, turn on your imagination and start writing some stories, because being creative is its own reward. Creator club members, we'll see you next Monday for an exclusive bonus episode. And everyone else, we'll be back next week with another one as well. Until then, stay creative and stay kind.
[17:48]
B
Bye.
[17:52]
A
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 Kassim, Manya Lissi, Aaron Moore, Murray Sampson, Jack Schaefer and Jacob Vaughn. This episode was produced by Isabel Erricchio, Sam Baer, Peter McNerney and Lee Overtree. 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 Erson and Jack Mitchell. Our head writer is is Peter McNerney. Staff writers are Megan O' Neil and Alexis Simpson. Weird Meets was Adapted by Peter McNerney. Episode artwork by Camilla Franklin. This episode features performances by peter johnston, julie marciano, peter mcnerney, megan o', neil, lee overtree, andrew warner, and heather woodward.
[19:01]
C
Weird beats, Weird beats When they first met, they were weird beats Yeah.