Throwback: Animal Jam

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

In this throwback episode of Stories Podcast, a musician named Dylan attempts to enjoy a peaceful guitar session in the forest but is repeat

Key takeaways

• Dylan uses clever 'audition' tactics to avoid being eaten by forest predators.
• The Great Gray Wolf attempts to join the band as a drummer using sticks and logs.
• A massive bear seeks to play the 'babooms,' which Dylan describes as a bass-like sound.
• A fox arrives hoping to take the lead role on the whistle-flute.
• Dylan's primary motivation for fleeing is the fear that a bad musical review would result in him becoming a meal.

Main topics

• Forest musicianship
• Animal encounters
• Creative problem solving

Notable quotes

I thought I was going to have to choose between having a bad band or being a bad meal.

Conclusion

A whimsical and clever adaptation of an Aesop's Fable that teaches res

Transcript preview

Speaker 2 (0:01) Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch available at storiespodcast.com slash shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram at storiespodcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now Speaker 1 (0:32) here's Speaker 2 (0:32) a Speaker 1 (0:32) word from our sponsors. Speaker 2 (0:35) Now that school is underway for most of us, families have a better sense of where kids are thriving and where they may need a little extra support. iXL helps reinforce what they're learning in class and build confidence along the way. iXL is an award-winning online learning platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning, whether they're building math confidence, strengthening reading and writing skills, or reviewing science concepts. From pre-K through 12th grade, IXL offers personalized, interactive learning that adapts to each child's level and pace. IXL gives kids personalized practice that reinforces concepts they're already learning at school and helps strengthen skills that may need more attention. Studies show students who use IXL perform better academically with proven results in all 50 states. Best of all, one subscription covers everything from pre-K through 12th grade for all the kids in your home. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get Speaker 1 (1:31) IXL now. Speaker 2 (1:32) And Stories podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20 % off IXL membership when they sign up today at www.ixl.com slash dragon. Visit www.ixl.com slash dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Speaker 1 (1:51) Thanks. Enjoy the episode. Speaker 2 (1:55) Animal Jam. Speaker 2 (1:58) Once upon a time, on a nice, sunny afternoon, a musician brought his guitar into the forest. His name was Dylan, and he loved to play among the trees and the birdsong and the happy buzz of the insects. He'd hike down a trail until he found a nice, sunny rock, and then he'd make himself comfortable, guitar on his lap. It Speaker 1 (2:22) was Speaker 2 (2:23) his special time for peace and a little relaxation. What kind of song are you in the mood for today? He'd ask the forest, and then he'd listen closely. If the wind blew, then he'd play a breezy song. If it was overcast and rainy, he'd play something in a minor key, slow and sad. When the sun was shining bright, he'd play something fast and lively, and that day, the sun beamed down on the cheerful singer in a golden ray. Ah, something happy then, Dylan said. and then he began to strum. His fingers bounced over the strings and the music rang out, sunny as the day itself. It echoed through the trees and rolled down the ravines and billowed over Speaker 1 (3:09) boulders. The Speaker 2 (3:11) guitar rang through the forest and soon enough, Dylan found that he had attracted an audience. Wow, play another one, said a great gray wolf slipping from the shadows of the trees. I love that music! The musician froze, his last note still ringing in the open air. His mouth opened to speak and didn't. He just sat there for a moment, lips parted in stunned surprise. What's the matter? asked the wolf. You need some help? Help? Dylan asked, gulping. The wolf was shaggy and monstrous, his mouth full of moon-white fangs. He could swallow Dylan in one bite if he wanted. Well, yeah, help, the wolf said. I'm a pretty good musician myself. Seems like you're out here recruiting for your band, right? Well, I've always wanted to be a rock star. You won't find someone better than me anywhere in the forest. And I, uh, I wouldn't suggest looking, you