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PODCAST · kids

SparkleCast Podcast

by Sparkle Stories

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

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Episodes

  1. SC#16: Inclusion, Teasing, and Bullying with Kim John Payne

    Kim John Payne is an internationally renowned family consultant and author of the book, Simplicity Parenting. In this episode, Kim, David, and Rebecca use the Junkyard Tales story "Buster" to talk about what is traditionally called "teasing" and "bullying" and is a broader way of discussing...

  2. Story#16: "Buster: A Story About Bullying"

    In today's story: Zippy, the porcupine, has a secret. It's a secret he doesn't want to share. He finally entrusts his secret to his feline friend, Ben Thompson: Zippy is being teased by a badger that lives in the field outside of the junkyard. Ben thinks they should teach that badger a lesson…

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  3. SC#15: An Introduction to Homeschooling with Jamie Martin

    Jamie Martin is co-founder and editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time." In this episode, Jamie, David, and Rebecca use the Martin & Sylvia story "A Map of the Year" to talk about planning, choosing curriculum and...

  4. Story#15: "A Map of the Year"

    In today's story: It is the first week of school and in Martin and Sylvia's house, that means transforming the dining room table into the homeschool work table. Everybody is excited about new books, new materials and indeed, new subjects to learn. This year, Martin is nervous that he will not…

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  5. SC#14: Sibling Rivalry with Dr. Carrie Contey

    Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being. In this episode of SparkleCast, Carrie, David and Rebecca talk about common dynamics between siblings, especially when they...

  6. Story#14: "Martin and Sylvia: The Snowball Factory"

    In today's story: Sometimes Martin just wants to be alone – and this can be frustrating to Sylvia his younger sister. After Sylvia insists on playing the same games, working on the same projects and talking about the same things, Martin asks Momma for help. Sitting on the couch, Momma tells two...

  7. SC#13: For the Love of Science with Podcasts "Tumble," "Brains On!" and "The Show about Science"

    This week's SparkleCast features three producers and hosts of popular science podcasts for kids, who joined us from around the country: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of "Tumble," a science podcast for kids; Sanden Totten, a producer and co-host of "Brains...

  8. Story#13: "Measuring the World"

    In today's story: When Sylvia declares that she knows everything there is to know about her best friend, Sofia, Momma suggest she use the scientific method to test her theory. And what is the scientific method? Momma explains that it involves measuring, collecting data and then studying the data....

  9. SC#12: The Gifts of Outdoor Education with Meghan Fitzgerald

    Meghan Fitzgerald is co-founder of Tinkergarten. Tinkergarten provides engaging, early-childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all – the outdoors. In this episode of SparkleCast, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story "Winter Wonder," in which Helmut, one of the Goose-eye...

  10. Story#12: "Winter Wonder"

    In today's story: At Goose-eye Wilderness Camp, Martin notices that his friend Sam is feeling tired of winter and missing her home in Arizona. He hesitates to tell her that there are still several weeks of winter left, but luckily Helmut, the apprentice from Germany, knows exactly how to show Sam...

  11. SC#11: Welcoming New Baby with Bryn Huntpalmer

    Bryn Huntpalmer is the host of the popular audio podcast, "The Birth Hour." In this episode of SparkleCast, Bryn, David, and Rebecca talk about the new story "New Brother/New Sister" – a story about a boy named Nathan who gets some important advice from a Tulip Tree elf about how to welcome his…

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  12. Story#11: "New Brother (New Sister): a Story about Welcoming the New Baby"

    In today's story: Little Nathan loves his days with his mother and father. He loves their attention, he loves their snuggles and he loves playing with them ... when they are able to play. When he learns that his parents are going to have another baby, he is initially excited and imagines that he...

  13. SC#10: Inspiring a Love of History with Steve Sheinkin

    Steve Sheinkin is an award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults. In this episode of SparkleCast, Steve, David and Rebecca talk about "The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called "FIFTY: The Stars, the States and the Stories"), explore the difference...

  14. Story#10: "The View From Above"

    In today's story: Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot's license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women's Air Derby – right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for Standard Oil of Ohio – spending most of her days waiting for the rich...

  15. SC#9: Developing Inner Guidance with Leo Sofer

    Leo Sofer is an intuitive storyteller and teacher based in Devon, England. In this episode of SparkleCast, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story "Listening to the Story Whispers" and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both how to hear stories, and how to tell our own....

  16. Story#9: "Listening to the Story Whispers"

    In today's story: When brother and sister attend a storytelling workshop, Sylvia insists on telling her "Babbit Stories". She can't wait! She knows everyone will love them. Then the storyteller teaches her that some of the best stories come from listening. *This story is the subject of our...

  17. SC#8: The Twelve Days of Christmas with Meredith Markow

    Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse "Head of School"! In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, Rebecca, and David discuss the collection "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas" – the stories-within-the-stories of our...

  18. Story#8: "Tullyport Christmas – Tale Nine: Blueberry Buccelleti"

    In today's story: Georgio Mangiapane wants to make the best Buccelleti in all of New York City. And so, having heard of the magical blueberries of the northeastern coast, he travels to Maine to find the perfect ingredient. But a bear interrupts his dream, and it's not New York that gets to enjoy...

  19. SC#7: Inspiring Service with Laura Chauvin of Her Best Foot Forward

    Laura Chauvin is a veteran non-profit strategist and charitable advisor. Working with women in Tanzania and the U.S., she created Her Best Foot Forward, beautiful sandals which, through collaboration, sustainability and style, empower women and girls in Africa. In this episode of SparkleCast,...

  20. Story#7: "Purple"

    In today's story: Lydia is a wealthy merchant who dyes and sells purple cloth to those who can afford it. She lives a life of luxury but has a single regret - she hasn't heard from her son in years. He turned his back on "serving the rich", and has become a teacher to the poor. When she at last...

  21. SC#6: Inspiring a Love of Music with Andrew & Polly

    Andrew & Polly are award-winning music makers and the hosts of Ear Snacks, a radical podcast for kids and families. In this episode, Andrew, Polly, David, and Rebecca talk about music and ways to introduce or boost music appreciation in your home. They use the Junkyard Tales story "The Band" as a...

  22. Story#6: "The Band"

    In today's story: It's a warm afternoon at the Junkyard. The Warden's car windows are down, and the sound of the radio is carried through the spring air. Ben can't help but be inspired -- could the Junkyard friends make their own music? They all agree to meet at the mounds of Mice Central at...

  23. Bonus Story: "The Council of Fools"

    In today's story: *This bonus story is in honor of today's historic election. We wanted to give parents and classrooms a basis to talk about the election, leadership, and what it means to be a citizen. As we post this story, the US is electing its next president.* Once there was a land that was...

  24. Bonus Story: "The Fischer from the Top Branch"

    In today's story: "The Fischer from the Top Branch" is a story about an election. A water hole in the Serengeti plains needs a leader who will represent all creatures who need water. So - a 'Prefect' is elected every wet season to monitor the water and make sure everyone is served. But choosing…

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  25. SC#5: Developing a Festival Life with Susan Weber

    Susan Weber, an early childhood expert and educator, is Director of Sophia's Hearth Family Center in Keene, New Hampshire. In this episode of SparkleCast, Susan, David, and Rebecca talk about how to develop the festival life of your household or classroom by incorporating rhythm and attention to...

  26. Story#5: "A Little Bit of Light"

    In today's story: Every year when the trees have all lost their leaves and the ground starts to frost in the morning, brother and sister start to make their lanterns for their annual lantern festival. This year they can't go their normal route and need to choose another place to walk. When Martin...

  27. SC#4: Understanding Your Child with Meredith Markow

    Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse "Head of School"! In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, David, and Rebecca talk about Sparkle Schoolhouse and how the Dry Gables story series can be used to better understand your...

  28. Story#4: "Marta Bauer: Baker and Peacemaker"

    In today's story: When conflict comes to Dry Gables — when there are arguments, disagreements or blocks in the road to peace — the people of Dry Gables go to one place: Marta Bauer's bakery. Somehow she always knows what to make, what to say and how to listen — and conflicts simply... dissolve....

  29. SC#3: Managing Anxiety with Renee Jain

    Renee Jain is one of the nation's most respected childhood happiness and resilience experts. Renee is the founder and Chief Storyteller at GoZen! She uses her many talents, specialized education, and business acumen in pursuit of her life's mission: To provide whole-brain education to children...

  30. Story#3: "Someone Else's Dragon"

    In today's story: The people of Solvei's village mark the end of the growing season and the beginning of the dark time with a yearly festival. In this joyful celebration, the villagers dress as dragons that represent the things they fear. Solvei is too young to attend, but is so excited that she...

  31. SC#2: Calming Down with Jonathan Hewitt

    Sensei Jonathan Hewitt is the co-author of "Life Ki-do Parenting: Tools to Raise Happy Confident Kids from the Inside Out" and founder of Life Ki-do Martial Arts and Life Education in Austin, Texas. In this conversation Jonathan, David, and Rebecca talk about body awareness and how use stories…

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  32. Story#2: "The Dark"

    In today's story: It's autumn: the days are getting shorter, and the dark comes earlier. Martin is feeling nervous. His eyes don't work as well at night, and he worries about shadows and other things he can't see. All of it makes it difficult for him to go to sleep at bedtime. Momma encourages…

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  33. SC#1: Being Present with Big Emotions with Dr. Carrie Contey

    Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being. In this conversation, Carrie, David, and Rebecca discuss how children can healthily experience their rich emotional lives…

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  34. Story#1: "The Dragon and the Unicorn"

    In today's story: There was once a land far to the north that was held in healthy balance by a dragon and a unicorn. When the people of that land tried to control the dragon, the unicorn returned to the clouds and the people suddenly experienced what is was like manage pure power — the power of a...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

HOSTED BY

Sparkle Stories

Produced by Lisabeth Sewell McCann

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does SparkleCast Podcast have?

SparkleCast Podcast currently has 34 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is SparkleCast Podcast about?

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

How often does SparkleCast Podcast release new episodes?

SparkleCast Podcast has 34 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to SparkleCast Podcast?

You can listen to SparkleCast Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts SparkleCast Podcast?

SparkleCast Podcast is created and hosted by Sparkle Stories.
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