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I’m struggling to feel like an audio fiction creator, or frankly, creative at all lately. Some of this is because of this awful pandemic, but there are other factors at play. When I’m not working, I’m usually co-producing an audio fiction podcast, but I co-create it with someone who, due to legitimate reasons, can’t actively create right now, which has put the pin in our production for the moment. I’m spending most of my creative free time keeping up with marketing and other non-creative show obligations. I have ideas for other projects, but I’m almost afraid to tackle them, partly because it’s hard to balance keeping up with the first show in addition to other projects, and also because I worry about branching out on my own. I’ve thought about asking someone to co-create with me, but I worry I’ll always be dependent on someone, and also I’m not sure who to even approach. What’s the best way to balance multiple projects and still feel creative when my free creative time is unfortunately scarce?

Stuck in Sucktown

Hi, Stuck,

I know the feeling of creative stagnation all too well, and I know how frustrating it can be when you have other projects you could be working on. There’s a lot going on in this question–wanting to work on this project, wanting to work on others, not feeling creative in general, fear of branching out alone–but I think we can boil most of it down to one concern: balance.

Something I’ve experienced throughout my life, but more during the pandemic, is latching onto good days when I feel productive and doing as much as I can those days. It feels like if I have any spare time when I feel functional, I should use it to invest in future endeavors.

The problem is that equilibrium is really hard to find. In my experience, if I start another creative project on top of the one I’m already pursuing, I will eventually burn out when I start doing both at the same time. You’re in a pause for Project 1 for right now, but what will Future You do when they’re making Project 2 and Project 1 comes back?

In my opinion, this is a good time for independent, private creative projects where you aren’t being held accountable for progress. Maybe take this time to do world building and image gathering for Project 2. Maybe start a pitch document to help find collaborators. But I think that for now, you should take care of Current You and Future You by not taking on too much more.

Wil you tell us a bit about the use of repetition in Fiction Podcasts? About repeating important details so a potentially distracted audience is comfortable not living poised over the backwards skip control. What types of repetition are available to creators, with examples?

Busy Hands, Busy Eyes

Hey, Busy! Hahaha . . . “Wil you.”

I am a huge fan of repetition in art. My favorite poetic structure is a villanelle, which includes two refrains and a repeating rhyme scheme. Villanelle is also my favorite TV villain, maybe, but that’s less about repetition and more about, y’know, unhinged women who could kill me and not think twice while wearing Alexander McQueen.

Something I think audio fiction creators forget is how much harder it is to remember character names, plot lines, etc. without visuals–at least, for seeing people. Mix that with voice actors sometimes sounding similar, and you’ve got an audience confused between two characters and why they’re taking the next step in the plot.

Repetition can help in a few ways here. First, I’m always a fan of using characters’ names as much as feels natural. Not only does this help the audience remember who’s in the scene, it’ll also be easier to connect the name to the voice. This is trickier with the plot, especially if you don’t have central characters who naturally would rehash events over and over. With events, I’ve found that a good way to use repetition is to have characters reflect on them when it seems natural, and doing it as unobtrusively as possible. Having someone say, “Oh yeah, like that time you broke your arm,” reminds the audience that someone broke their arm. You don’t need to go into all of the details, but a quick reminder helps.

And, of course, another use of repetition is to emphasize meaning–or change meaning. Let’s look at my favorite villanelle, Sylvia Plath’s “Mad Girl’s Love Song.” One of the two refrains is, “I think I made you up inside my head.” Here’s how the refrain is used early on in the poem:

I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

It starts off a . . . wholesome-adjacent poem about the early thrills of love, being so enraptured you can’t believe the other person is real. As the poem goes on, though, the refrain takes on a new meaning:

I fancied you’d return the way you said,
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

Now, the narrator isn’t even sure the object of her affection was real in the first place. She’s been made to wait after they left, and she feels foolish for waiting but doesn’t know what else to do.

If you’ve watched Bojack Horseman, you might recognize this take on repetition from the second season’s repeat line, “What are you doing here?”

I’m a big fan of establishing a repetition and then using it to pull the rug out from under the audience’s feet. Changing the way a simple phrase means is a great way to play with expectations and display character development.

And, of course, a similar principle can be used for the music. Some light spoilers for VALENCE: I have a piece of music I use to signify the protagonist’s trauma and growth. The first time I use the song, it’s when the character is at perhaps his lowest low, when his best friend helps him stop spiraling. The theme is used at other important moments, but then plays the fullest again when the character has embraced the part of himself he hates the most–and he’s laughing, and genuinely joyous. Where did I learn this trick? Pixar.

Repetition is your friend. It can be used to help remind your audience of what’s going on and be employed for some big emotional punches. I recommend erring on the side of doing too much, and then editing down later if needed.

I’m working on a FANtastic project that I know in my bones would be exponentially better for all the important reasons with more people making the decisions. The first problem is I’m both poor and not very social so therefore can’t wrangle hypothetical friends into working for free. Should I press ahead solo hoping strangers eventually jump in? or try to line up some funding first so I can hire good people who, you know, aren’t *just* me.

Single White & Kinda Female

Hi, SWkF,

I have, maybe, a controversial take here. Podcasts are seen as having a “low barrier of entry” or, more accurately, a “low barrier to publication,” but I don’t think this mindset is really that sustainable. If you’re going to be working with other people, I highly, highly recommend waiting until you can fairly compensate them.

Labor is labor, and to me, friendship should never be used as a reason not to compensate someone. Podcasting is more expensive than people realize, especially in fiction, and I wish more creators would take into account budgeting things like transcripts as well as paying their collaborators.

There is one way I think you can make your podcast without having to worry too much, though: just do it yourself. There are a ton of great podcasts that only have one voice actor, narrating each part. Take, for instance, Ivuoma Okoro’s Vega:

Or Morgan Givens’s Flyest Fables:

Both of these shows have wide audiences and have received plenty of critical acclaim–and at least for voices, they’re just one person. Vega does now work with, I believe, a producer and editor, to be clear. It didn’t always, though. If you want to create but can’t quite compensate others, I recommend seeing what you can do on your own. Then, you can start to figure out how much money you’d need to raise or save for the roles you can’t fulfill on your own.

How to Audio Drama is our column documenting every piece of information you’d need to start your own audio drama (aka fiction podcast). The series can be read in full, or read volume by volume. You can use our table of contents to find each How to Audio Drama installment, and you can submit questions to our monthly How to Audio Drama advice column.

The post Ask How to Audio Drama: Say It Again appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Seizing Freedom

You may have heard that the Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves. However, there was so much more to attaining freedom for Black folks that went beyond the broken promise of 40 acres and a mule. In Seizing Freedom, host Dr. Kidada Williams spends time telling listeners the untold stories of Black folks who went through hell and high water to ensure that the freedom promised to them was delivered. This is a great show because it takes actual accounts of Black people from autobiographies, journals, diaries, and newspaper articles and brings them to life through voice acting. It breathes new life into each journey we hear about. From the early days of freedom, to figuring out how to make a living, Seizing Freedom covers the many complicated aspects of living in the U.S. and how challenging that was for Black folks after the Civil War.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

The Secret Adventures of Black People

There are plenty of stories about the journeys, struggles and pains of Black people; those stories are important and necessary. However, The Secret Adventures of Black People is not a show about the struggles and pain of Black people. Rather, host Nichole Hill seeks to tell the stories of Black people that you might hear if you passed an open window and overheard them talking. Not just small talk conversations, but through in-depth sound design Nichole takes listeners on cinematic journeys of joy, frustration, confusion, and every emotion in between.  They are truly unique sonic adventures and they are all, of course, uniquely Black.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Flyest Fables

Morgan Givens is a Black creator who makes Flyest Fables to give his nephew an opportunity to hear fantastic stories that involved people who looked like him. There is magic, and singing, and crystals and above all, there’s a lesson to be learned with each journey we take into the Kingdom of Orleans. Flyest Fables is a great escape for people who like fantasy, but it remains rooted in our world as it punctuates the trips it takes with important reflections about each of our own respective journeys in life. This show is easily marathoned and made me look forward to whatever Morgan creates next.

Read more: Best Podcasts for Kids and Pre-teens

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

The Colored Girl Beautiful

The Colored Girl Beautiful is a podcast about Black womanhood as explored through Emma Azalia Hackley’s 1916 book of the same title. The original book covers various topics such as Love, Personal Appearance, Marriage, Work and Motherhood. What I like the best about this show is that the host Aseloka Smith does a great job of using the book to examine the beautiful juxtapositions of Black womanhood. In each episode, she shares a story of a Black woman searching for balance between strength and vulnerability, friendship and independence, love and ambition, and everything in between.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Adult ISH

When I was out of college and out of my parents’ house, there was a time when I was basically just a teenager in adult cosplay. Adult ISH does a great job of processing this exact transition.  Figuring out the world, exposing yourself to new experiences, and learning how to be a good adult in a complicated world. Hosts Merk Nguyen and Nyge Turner do a great job of being vulnerable and transparent with their own experiences in new adulthood, but also interview and discuss new adulthood with other new adults—some you may know and others you’ll meet for the first time. This show straddles the fence of being very fun and light-hearted with very poignant moments and you’ll feel like you’re just hanging out with friends and learning something along the way.

Read more: Black History Month: Integrated Diversity in Podcasting

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

My podcast, Time Well Spent

Ronald Young Jr, is a bit of an overthinker who often gets meta with his own life. He even wrote this article and is overthinking the explanation of his own show, Time Well Spent. To sum it up, TWS is a narrative podcast that takes relatable stories from its host (RYJ), who attempts to understand life by constantly talking about it and processing it. Sometimes he’s talking to his friends and telling listeners their stories, other times it’s his mom, but more often than not he chooses to get vulnerable and tell his own stories. It’s a good show if you’re a fan of narrative introspection in the ways of This American Life, and Heavyweight, but you know…Black.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Conclusion

There are a lot of podcasts. Good, bad, and everything in between. These are only a few made by Black folks. Add these to your list and don’t be surprised if you find that your entire playlist becomes a little more diverse as you continue to branch out. Enjoy!

The post Black History Month: Liven Up Your Listening Experience With These Podcasts By Black Creators appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

But I’m pretty confident you will.

Toddlers

Tiny Toreros Story Time

A bilingual audio fiction podcast for toddlers, Tiny Toreros Story Time is an excellent choice for quiet moments or nap times. Mixing stories read in Spanish with those read in English, Tiny Toreros Story Time is more than just a story podcast. Tiny Toreros Story Time features historical and cultural episodes surrounding topics like Hanukkah, water protectors, and currently, they are running Black History Month special episodes covering important members of the Black and African American community. Put out by the University of San Diego, Tiny Toreros Story Time is released in bite-sized episodes, a majority of which aren’t longer than 5 or 6 minutes. Tiny Toreros Story Time is a great podcast for guardians who want their toddlers to experience and learn about different cultures, practices, and people. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Google Podcasts | Website | RSS

Circle Round

Circle Round is a children’s audio fiction anthology podcast aimed at listeners between the ages four and ten. Listening through several episodes gave me the impression that Circle Round would be better for toddlers than older children. Voice actors, music, and sound effects bring each story to life for young listeners. It also makes Circle Round not great for bedtime or nap time. However, I thought it was a great story time or drive time podcast for toddlers. Since Circle Round is produced and made by parents of young listeners, the episodes are thematically appropriate and engaging for children and toddlers. Each short episode comes with an activity for listeners to further explore the events and themes. 

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

Story Time

If you liked the audio drama anthology format of Circle Round, Story Time offers original short stories packed with creative storytelling to entertain the whole family in a similar vein. Listening to Story Time, and I know this sounds obvious, but it does feel like listening to a story time session like at a library or a bookstore. Story Time features heart-warming, humorous, and, sometimes, thrilling stories without being heavy-handed about the moral teachings. And there are lessons to be found in the engaging and thought-provoking tales aimed at kids between the ages of 2–13. Unlike Circle Round, I think these stories are great for that full age range.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS 

Sleep Tight Stories – Bedtime Stories for Kids

All right, if you’re a parent or guardian in search of a great bedtime or naptime podcast for toddlers, look no further than Sleep Tight Stories – Bedtime Stories for Kids. Like the name suggests, Sleep Tight Stories – Bedtime Stories for Kids is designed explicitly for sleepy time storytelling. Soft music accompanies soft voice acting sure to put your little ones to sleep. Some are great for pre-sleep time or bedtime moments, too. Sleep Tight Stories – Bedtime Stories for Kids offers young listeners touching stories about family and friendships. Though I filed Sleep Tight Stories – Bedtime Stories for Kids under toddlers on this kids’ podcast roundup list, I did think a few episodes would work for older kids under the age of ten. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS 

What if World – Stories for Kids

Starting with the simple question of what if, What if World – Stories for Kids builds imaginative and wonderous worlds for their young listeners. Each episode is led by different questions: what if it started raining elephants, what if a donut had abs and liked to work out, what if snakes had feathers and birds had scales. With those wild and unusual questions, What if World – Stories for Kids provides kids with stories that push the boundaries of their imaginations and ask them to think outside the box. The funny acting paired with these stories adds an entertaining layer to the already captivating pieces. What if World – Stories for Kids has been around since 2016, so there are tons of episodes to explore for new listeners. 

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website | Transcripts | RSS

Preschoolers

Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids

Produced by the American Public Media, Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids is a nonfiction podcast aimed at inquisitive young listeners. Though I am putting Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids under the toddler category, many of the episodes are suited for older kids and even some adults who are fans of interesting science, unusual questions, and strange facts. One of the February episodes explores multiverses and provides kids with a comprehensive and easy-to-understand beginner’s guide to that advanced theory. Different segments of the podcast keep the show exciting and engaging. Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids invites young listeners to join in the discussion with the host in tackling audience questions and their own curiosities.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages is a long-running children’s audio fiction anthology podcast. Though the podcast is billed as a bedtime show, there is a lot of energy to the voice acting that may distract some young listeners trying to rest. That being said, the voice acting is excellent, creating an engaging and energetic listening experience for young audiences. Like a few other kids’ podcasts on this list, Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages features a wide range of cultures and storytelling practices on the show. So, kids can learn Latin American folktales and tales from ancient Greece. With as many episodes as Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages has, parents and kids won’t have a hard time finding episodes and stories to amuse and entertain. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Google Podcasts | Website | RSS

Noodle Loaf – Music Education Podcast for Kids

This month, one of my favorite new finds is Noodle Load – Music Education Podcast for Kids. This extremely fun and informative kids’ podcast is great for toddlers and their parents to get them active and moving around music. And Noodle Load – Music Education Podcast for Kids doesn’t just encourage dancing but offers musical facts and history. The host gives an energetic performance and makes sure to show the intersections of music, race, and politics. Personally, it created an added appeal. There are also lots of songs for kids who love singing and music. And listeners are encouraged to submit their own songs. I really loved the made-up music, games, and activities for the whole family. Be warned, though, many songs on Noodle Load – Music Education Podcast for Kids are super catchy.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Google Podcasts | Website | RSS 

Kids Short Stories

Kids Short Stories offers young listeners lively emotion-packed reading with a lot of excitement. But honestly, what I love about Kids Short Stories is the original stories featured! They are stories written or inspired by kids from around the world that the host performs on the show. Since kids are the creators of the short stories, all the stories are wildly imaginative similar to What if World – Stories for Kids. Sometimes the host’s acting gets energized, so it may be a bit much for some listeners. There are not a lot of audio fiction or audio drama podcasts that publish kids’ stories, so this one holds a special place in my heart. If you’ve got a kid in your life who loves writing or coming up with stories, consider listening to Kids Short Stories and encouraging them to submit their tales and ideas to the show.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS 

History Storytime – For Kids

My other favorite kid podcast discovery this month was History Storytime – For Kids. For young listeners who want a bit more nonfiction, History Storytime – For Kids is an entertaining and informative listen for young children. Be warned, though, if you think kids shouldn’t hear the bloody and darker side of history, then this podcast will not be your favorite. History Storytime – For Kids is all about the bloody, gross, and sometimes disgusting sides of history. I loved that History Storytime – For Kids is hosted by two young children and supervised by their father. While not all the information shared on History Storytime – For Kids was as inclusive as I would have liked, I think it is a great starting point for having deeper conversations with kids about colonization, history, and racism. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

Children

Beloved Children’s Books

Beloved Children’s Books is an audio fiction podcast that reads children’s books on air. The storytelling and reading on the children’s podcast are not overstimulating or distracting. It made me think Beloved Children’s Books would be an excellent podcast for quiet times for young listeners. Personally, I could listen to the host read for hours. While most of the books read are fiction, some are based on actual events—like February’s episode featuring a reading of the biography of Wilma Rudolph from Little People, Big Dreams. Even though Beloved Children’s Books only started at the end of 2020, there’s been a new episode every week, so are tons of stories to choose from. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS | Transcripts

Stoopkid Stories

Stoopkid Stories is a collection of connected stories surrounding a group of Black kids. Aimed at young listeners around the age of five, Stoopkid Stories offers age-appropriate looks at social topics such as discrimination, racism, and more. But the young Black protagonists face other issues, too, surrounding friendship, family, and self. Like Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages, the host and writer of the show, Melissa Victor, brings a lot of energy to the podcast to create an engaging show for kids. Victor’s energy has led to a vibrant community of listeners, and with the sixth season on the way, now is the perfect time to join in the community of fans and follow these young characters, their world, and friends.

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

Girl Tales

Girl Tales features reimagined stories of classic tales like Rapunzel, except this Rapunzel is a young Black girl with curly hair. Using fairytales and fantasy, Girl Tales offers young listeners easy ways of confronting heavy topics like bullying, sexism, and discrimination. The children’s audio fiction podcast also gives listeners inclusive storytelling from diverse writers. A lot of the stories are heartwarming, dramatic, and touching. Since many of the stories deal with real-world issues, it’s easy to feel for the characters in the fantastical stories. I’ve talked about this podcast in other roundups because I sincerely recommend it to people with children in their lives. Too often, we hear the same misogynistic and troubling tales from the same perspectives. Girl Tales rockets listeners away from those narratives and into new and better ones.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids 

Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids takes stories from around the world and crafts original stories around them with new characters and themes. But Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids goes further than that. This children’s audio fiction podcast presents traditional folktales, classic short stories, songs, history accounts, and more. A lot of the stories have a moral lean or lesson great for teaching young audiences virtues and how to treat others. The audio readings of the stories, while voice acted, aren’t overly bombastic like a few other podcasts on this list. The stories read on Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids are beautifully told and in a soft enough tone that makes Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids perfect for moments when young listeners want quiet time to themselves with a good story. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS | Transcripts
Transcripts available on each episode’s page

KidNuz

I know I seem to have a lot of favorites on this kids and pre-teens podcast list, but that’s because there are some great podcasts out there for young listeners. And KidNuz is one of them! KidNuz is precisely what it sounds like, too. A funny, informative, and interesting world news podcast appropriate for children. I’m sure you’re curious what type of stories they focus on in today’s chaotic world. And honestly, a lot of it is centered around strange or wacky nature and science news. There are also some mentions of politics without being controversial. They also share sports news for the young athlete and enthusiast. With the broad sampling of topics and stories, KidNuz has something for all young listeners. One of my favorite parts of KidNuz is the fun quizzes about the news shared to keep kids engaged and listening. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS | Transcripts
Transcripts available on each episode’s page

Pre-teen

Tales of the Text

Tales of the Text audio drama centers on the voices and experiences of Black youth today. Some episodes deal with love, abuse, sticky or horrific texting situations, and more. I will note Tales of the Text is geared more toward older or more mature pre-teens since many of the stories feature high school or college-bound characters. I wanted to recommend it, though, because Tales of the Text does something unique and worthwhile. Tales of the Text features stories written by teens for teens performed by teens about teen culture. This podcast offers young listeners unique insight into handling problems related to family, relationships, and life in general while still presenting an entertaining listen. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families

Aimed at younger pre-teens, The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families is another excellent history pick for young listeners. For people who weren’t into History Storytime – For Kids, The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families still provides fun, informative history without all the blood and guts and war. It does offer a bit more inclusive history facts than History Storytime – For Kids, too! I had a lot of fun listening through the episodes for The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families because I learned a lot of historical tidbits I never knew. The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families is a history podcast geared toward pre-teens and younger listeners focused on curious inventions, world-changing historical figures, and exciting moments and events throughout history, like the history of putty. 

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS

Smash Boom Best

Smash Boom Best is another favorite pick of mine on this kids and pre-teens podcast list. A debate podcast for pre-teens and judged by pre-teens, Smash Boom Best pits two things against each other. Comedians and actors debate each side while a pre-teen judges and decides which side won. And the topics are wild and imaginative. The funny arguments on Smash Boom Best cover viewpoints related to mythology, horror, nature, sports, and so much more, all while offering interesting factoids and stories. Smash Boom Best was definitely one of the most unique pre-teen podcasts I discovered. I loved Smash Boom Best because it teaches young listeners to debate and argue using history, culture, stats, and more. There are also debate tips for young teens interested in debate club or understanding the framework of making certain arguments work.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website | RSS 

Teenager Therapy

While I love and recommend Teenager Therapy, I also want to note as a content warning that Teenager Therapy does have a fair amount of cursing and, I believe, is unsupervised. Teenager Therapy is a teenage-hosted show about problems facing teenagers today and how they are dealing with them. The discussions are candid, current, and vulnerable, so yeah, cursing and topics that some parents may not approve of coming up, but sometimes honest real talk is what’s helpful. Like a few podcasts on this list, I cannot recommend Teenager Therapy enough. There aren’t a lot of teenage run podcasts centering teens and pre-teens in the discussions and issues going on today. Hearing these three hosts exchange stories and experiences was refreshing and insightful.

Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Podchaser | RSS

I hope this list finds everyone in your family, big or small, well and opens up doorways to new worlds and learning. Take your children on an adventure with one or all these podcasts geared toward entertainment, education, and bringing families closer.

Bonus podcasts for kids and pre-teens

These podcasts for kids come from versions of this article past. We still recommend them! They remain some of the best podcasts for kids.

Toddlers

This Podcast has Fleas

Ever wonder what a podcast run by a dog would sound like? What about a cat? Look no further than This Podcast has Fleas. Originally released in 2017, This Podcast has Fleas features well-known actors and a hilarious storyline to boot. Nice compact episodes of hilarious pet antics are what you get with This Podcast has Fleas. What makes a great kids podcast is the ability to bring to life the characters and story in a simple way that helps keep children focused and engaged. That is what This Podcast has Fleas does so well. Follow Waffles, the dog, and Jones, the cat, as they wage podcast war over your ears and attention. This Podcast has Fleas is perfect for younger listeners because of their use of sound effects and superb voice acting, featuring Jay Pharoah, Alex Baldwin, and Eugene Mirman.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts

Tiny Toreros Story Time

There is a prevailing dominance of English language stories and podcasts available to kids which can be frustrating. Tiny Toreros Story Time is not one of those podcasts and offers toddlers the chance to hear stories in Spanish. A bilingual audio fiction podcast for young ones, Tiny Toreros Story Time is designed for easy listening during nap or bedtime. Each story is read and narrated by Claudia I Gonzales in a calm and relaxing fashion perfect for the quiet moments in your toddlers day-to-day. Gonzales reads popular children’s stories like Hanukkah Bear, P is for Pinata, and Dr. Seuss books along with many more. There’s really a wide range of stories and episodes in English, Spanish, or both. Put out by the University of San Diego, Tiny Toreros Story Time is released in bite-sized episodes, a majority of which aren’t longer than 5 or 6 minutes.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Animal Sound Safari

Going out into nature and learning about the world around us is one of the funnest things you can do with a child. With the pandemic making outings not so safe, turn to Animal Sound Safari to get your animal and nature fix. Animal Sound Safari is a toddler podcast that is reminiscent of the Magic School Bus. Join the hosts as they board a magical safari truck that takes children into the outback and other kingdoms to learn about different animals and ecosystems. Very much like PBS shows from the 90s, Animal Sound Safari has sound bites from children, experts, and special guests that deliver a fun listening experience sure to keep your toddler entertained and interested. Though this show ended in 2019, the backlog of shows are still available for free and are ideal for short car rides and bath time. 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Preschoolers

Ear Snacks

Not every child learns the same. Children’s podcasts like Ear Snacks sounds like they take that into account when designing their episodes. Ear Snacks is perfect for the contemporary parent that realizes they aren’t raising their kids in the 50s or 90s, but in an ever-changing world. A world that they want to prepare their kids for so that they grow into kind, mindful, and happy teens and young adults. Parents who are fans of tUnE-yArDs or The Books will find the musical podcast Ear Snacks catchy, endearing, and a new shared interest with their children. Ear Snacks makes songs and episodes exploring our world through interviews with experts, families, and children. There’s an episode specially for parents about anti-racist parenting that is worth several listens. 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Read more: 10 Offbeat Podcasts for Music Lovers

Brains On

Being a child is a curious case of trial and error, of learning from those around you, and questioning the world. Science, experiments, and answers to children’s questions, Brains On podcast invites parents and children to learn together. From American Public Media, Brains On invites children listeners to join its host Molly Bloom in tackling audience questions. Like great science shows before it, Brains On let’s children guide the direction of the show. There’s a wide array of topics that the science podcast Brains On covers like animals breathing underwater, cats, and myths. Started back in 2013, Brains On has a HUGE backlog of episodes to dive in and jump around. Maybe your kid has a question that you don’t know the answer to. Turn to Brains On and join in the learning together. 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Aaron’s World 

There’s something endearing and enjoyable about listening to children tell their own stories. Not many podcasts on this list are completely voiced by children, but Aaron’s World is one of those unique shows. The audio drama podcast let’s children join in the dino-adventures of the host, Aaron, as he adventures through time and space. Aaron’s World is a science fiction audio drama for kids featuring kids. Aaron leads kids down a path of adventure, science, and dinosaurs that is packed filled with age-appropriate thrills and content. I recommend this show for parents who have a dino-lover in their family. Though the show ended back in 2018, listeners can still catch the old episodes wherever they listen to podcasts. 

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

Children

Story Pirates

Story Pirates is one of my favorite audio fiction podcasts for children on this list because they accept stories from the children in their audience! That’s right, if your child is a budding writer who wants to have their story potentially featured on the show, you can help them submit it for a chance to have it performed by professional voice actors and musicians. Not only that, but the Story Pirates have educational resources for their listeners to help add an extra layer to their stories. Because many of the stories on the podcast were written by children, they feature very relatable and age-appropriate content. Story Pirates is an all-around great hub for children and parents to find wonderful stories, creative resources, and more. 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Flyest Fables

The world is a dark place and sometimes it feels like it grows darker each day. This type of darkness calls for stories that remind us of the hope and promise in all of us and in each day. Flyest Fables audio fiction podcast brings hopepunk stories to young audiences. The last episode was released back in 2020, but the eight-episode podcast is something that young audiences need right now. Hopepunk is not a popular genre for young or adult audiences but it is one that is relevant and necessary during a time of coups, lynchings, and containment camps. Hopepunk is all about the joy and growth that happens during dark times. The stories featured in the anthology podcast Flyest Fables are centered around children making their way through the world with confidence and kindness. These are fables, however, so no matter how great the characters are there are still lessons learned throughout these stories. 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child

Unlike the other podcasts on this list, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child is unique in that it is more of a radio than a podcast—more of a playlist than a radio. Indie music for indie kids. That’s what you get with the music podcast/radio/weekly playlist Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child. The hosts gather children friendly and appropriate indie songs from indie music favorites like They Might Be Giants, Matt and Kim, and countless others that millennial parents will remember and enjoy sharing with their young ones. Each week Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child releases a new playlist of original music, new songs, and old favs to share with the whole family. This podcast is perfect for homework sessions, playtime, and rides in the car. 

Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

Pre-teen

Book Club for Kids

Does your child love to read and often show an interest in writing? Displaying a curiosity about the author and how the story came to be? Book Club for Kids is the one stop shop for your little book lovers. The podcast is a mixture of a discussion show, author interview, and audio fiction. Host and special children guest stars team up to deliver weekly 20-minute episodes where they discuss a book and interview the author. A few of the episodes are broken into two parts where the discussion and reading happen in one and the author interview happens in the other. Like The Story Seeds Podcast, Book Club for Kids bridges the gap between children’s book authors and the actual children. There’s even an episode about teaching kids to write for the young author in your family. 

Spotify | Google Podcasts

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel 

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a mystery-based podcast for children performed by children. Surrounding a group of kids searching for their missing friends, Mars Patel truly earns its comp titles of The Goonies and Stranger Things. Yes, the story is a mystery, but there are also science fiction elements and thriller vibes throughout the series. This show is best for middle grade students or children between the ages of 8 and 12 due to the sometimes hair-raising nature and content of the show. Originally released in 2016, The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a great podcast for marathon listening while cooking, eating, or going on a walk around the yard. 

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Read more: 5 Out-of-this-World Space Science Fiction Podcasts

I hope this list finds everyone in your family, big or small, well and opens up doorways to new worlds and learning. Take your children on an adventure with one or all of these podcasts geared toward entertainment, education, and bringing families closer. 

The post Best Podcasts for Kids and Pre-teens appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

The following is a list of a few wonderful podcasts written and designed for children and young adults, in no particular order. The age ranges provided are my suggestions for a minimum age (unless the podcast itself has provided one), but of course they may be enjoyed by older kids (and even adults!).

1. Noodle Loaf

Noodle Loaf is 10-minute episodes of interactive music creation and goofiness, hosted by a dad who specialized in music education and his two kids. It is unbearably adorable and well designed — they even have a little choir kids can join, by getting recorded singing the theme song, which has built up into an impressive number of kids’ voices. Noodle Loaf boasts active engagement that would make for a lovely time to spend with a child, with games that don’t get stale and go through a hearty rotation.

Age Range: 3-9 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

2. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

But Why answers questions from kids who want experts to tackle all their questions about anything under the sun, from why turtles have shells to how hurricanes form to what’s up with different cultural beliefs in fairy tales. They’re often recorded on location where possible, creating a great soundscape to identify with the theme of the episode, and the host sometimes breaks into the recording to highlight cool parts that may have been missed.

Age Range: 3-9 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

3. What If World

I love this podcast where the creator, Eric O’Keeffe, takes what-if questions from his young listeners and invents an entire story out of them in the episode. Mr. Eric is joined early on by Petey the Pirate, like the classic kids TV shows with companion puppets, and Petey’s growly voice and easily excited nature sets the perfect tone against the soft bed music. Later on, Mr. Eric is joined by more voices and characters! This is such great improvisational storytelling for the entire family to enjoy together.

Age Range: 5-11 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

4. Pants on Fire

A key skill in the age of digital access to information is being able to identify lies and falsehoods, tools which are only learned through practice. Pants on Fire is a podcast game show, where a kid goes up against two adults, only one of whom is an expert on the topic of the episode. It helps kids learn how to ask questions and analyze information given. And it’s a lot of fun to play along with! This is an outstanding podcast from Gen-Z Media’s line-up (and particularly good for road trips).

Age Range: 6-12 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

5. Tumble

For the brains who want to learn about science, Tumble explores stories about science discovery, both in historical senses and in thinking about the future. The two hosts, Lindsay and Marshall, talk with scientists about their niche topics — like what would Earth be like if volcanoes didn’t exist — while keeping it fun with puns and their jokey back and forth. The balance between easy humor and more middle grade vocabulary makes this a balanced podcast for many ages.

Age Range: 6-12 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

6. Flyest Fables

This hopepunk connected anthology fiction podcast is a shot to the heart of the Narnia, Middle Earth, and The Never-Ending Story atmosphere of storytelling. Starting with the discovery of a magic book bearing the name of our first protagonist Antoine, Flyest Fables tackles magic and quests alongside growing up and conquering fear with honest and excited design. Morgan Givens has a gift for sound design and for performance, and has clearly communicated a vision that engages young and adult audiences in empathetic stories.

Age Range: 7-12 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

7. Timestorm

Created by the powerhouse team behind Cocotazo Media, Timestorm centers on Puerto Rican twins Alexa and Benito Ventura, and their lives as they time travel in order to observe and record history of their ancestors. The representation here is strong in creators and cast, as well as in the message it sends about histories that have been erased by colonization and oppression. It takes a positive and hopeful outlook, even when characters are grappling with the oncoming Hurricane María, in school bullying, and keeping their time travel a secret.

Age Range: 8-12 years

Listen: Apple

8. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

This serialized mystery podcast is a must-have in any kids audio playlist. Mars Patel is hot on the case of his missing friend Aurora, for whom he is recording all the adventures of him and his friends. This is high quality sound design, amazing acting by middle grade kids, and dedication spent into making it a holistically fun experience — the ads by Pruitt Prep include quizzes and brainteaser riddles whose solutions are found on the Pruitt Prep website.

Age Range: 8-12 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

9. The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified

This fiction series follows an intrepid radio reporter, Eleanor Amplified, on all her journeys in pursuit of The Big Story. She’s a wonderful hero, sassy and focused and brave, all while she foils evil villains and their nefarious plots. It’s got a vibe straight from classic pulp superheroes, with distinctive character voices and wildly colorful locations. And they have Road Trip Editions for each of the three seasons!

Age Range: 8-12 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

10. Fate & the Fablemaidens

This is a delightful family-friendly D&D actual play, played entirely by women, and constructed carefully so that listeners don’t need to be familiar with the system in order to enjoy their storytelling. They are goofy and fun, great at staying in-character with minimal table talk, which makes it easier to follow the story and pacing, aided by snappy rapport and good editing. Renee Rhodes, the Dungeon Master, does a fantastic job narrating the scenes, helping to illuminate what’s happening and fully embodying different people the players encounter.

Age Range: 9-13 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

11. The Past & the Curious

This history podcast for kids is so entertaining, I listen to it by myself.  They’ve got great subject matter, like historical hoaxes, shipwrecks, and 1930s women musicians, and all of them are well-researched and written. To keep it invigorating, they’ve got original themed songs and fun segments like Quiz Time, just to make sure you’re paying attention. This is a labor of love, and it shows in the quality of engagement possible here.

Age Range: 8-14 years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

12. Lethal Lit: A Tig Torres Mystery

On the higher end of the young adult spectrum is Lethal Lit, a fictional true crime podcast about Tig Torres trying to clear her aunt’s name of being labeled the Lit Killer, a serial killer that plagued the town of Hollow Falls with methods pulled from classic literature. It’s a completed storyline with immersive sound design, and Rebeca Soler knocks it out of the park as Torres, a great hero to have in the spotlight.

Age Range: 14+ years

Listen: Apple | Stitcher

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