Stories From Now And Then: Short Stories for Kids cover art
Ages 5–7Ages 8–12 Storytelling

Stories From Now And Then: Short Stories for Kids

About the show

Welcome to the Old Library! Captain Blunderface and Nicola the Storyteller invite you into a world of classic folk tales and true stories about real-life legends. Adapted into 10-20 minute episodes for kids ages 5-12, we share timeless classics that your parents or grandparents once heard, and true and new stories to inspire young imaginations.

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Welcome to the Old Library! Captain Blunderface and Nicola the Storyteller invite you into a world of classic folk tales and true stories about real-life legends. Adapted into 10-20 minute episodes for kids ages 5-12, we share timeless classics that your parents or grandparents once heard, and true and new stories to inspire young imaginations.

Want a special shoutout for your children? Message us on Instagram @storiesfromnowandthen to get a story dedication.

Creators: Nicola Ward & Evan Wiebe Website: storiesfromnowandthen.com Produced by Ocorda Sound ocorda.com

Fast Facts

Audience
Ages 5–12
Network
Nicola Ward, Evan Wiebe
Format
Listen in any order
Typical length
15 min
Episodes
37
Topics
Stories For Kids

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Episodes

37 episodes

  1. Robin Hood Turns Butcher

    15 min 25 July 2026

    You asked for more Robin Hood stories, and we have delivered! Welcome back to the Old Library, or rather Sherwood Forest, for a winsome and mischievous adventure. Meanwhile Deprecatus has been up to some artistic endeavours. Visit us at: storiesfromnowandthen.com Oh, and if you enjoy colouring, Check this out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVMQ8ZNR Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  2. Chytrá Horákyně (Clever Manka), Part 2

    13 min 18 July 2026

    We are still in the wily world of Clever Manka! See how everything unfolds since our part one of this story, and how she handles the judge's challenge. Brought to you by the bungling Cap. Blunderface and the ever-suffering Deprecatus of course. Visit us at: storiesfromnowandthen.com Oh, and if you enjoy colouring, Check this out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVMQ8ZNR Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  3. Chytrá Horákyně (Clever Manka), Part 1

    11 min 11 July 2026

    Nicola takes us into the wily world of Manka and how she navigates some pretty intricate situations. Also a certain *ahem* captain didn't quite make it in time for this one, apparently! Visit us at: storiesfromnowandthen.com Oh, and if you enjoy colouring, Check this out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVMQ8ZNR Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  4. Savannah Bananas!

    19 min 4 July 2026

    OR ... The Boy In The Yellow Tuxedo. Follow along for this incredibly fun and zany true story from the Old Library, where Deprecatus can apparently ... bake? Visit us at: storiesfromnowandthen.com Pardon us? Oh, you enjoy colouring? Check this out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVMQ8ZNR Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  5. Momotaro, The Peach Boy

    18 min 27 June 2026

    Nicola recounts the magical tale of Momotaro, the peach boy! Adapted from the age-old Japanese Folk Tale. Blunderface learns more about cats (doesn't he always?) Visit us at: storiesfromnowandthen.com Pardon us? Oh, you enjoy colouring? Check this out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVMQ8ZNR Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  6. The Tortoise and the Hare, And Other Stories

    17 min 20 June 2026

    Nicola spins some yarns from Aesop's Fables, such as the Tortoise and the Hare. Some you may know, some not! Meanwhile Deprecatus is getting a bit wordy at the OL. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  7. Sleeping Beauty, Part 2

    18 min 13 June 2026

    Tune in to the the magical, wonderful second half of Sleeping Beauty as told by Nicola, with some classic old library repartee between a Captain and a Cat. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long, perfect for ages 5-12. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  8. Sleeping Beauty, Part 1

    19 min 6 June 2026

    Enjoy an absolute classic fairy tale about a princess, an evil enchantress, and a really long nap, told by Nicola today! Meanwhile Deprecatus presses the "record" button a bit early. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long, perfect for ages 5-12. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  9. The Boy Who Became the G.O.A.T.

    21 min 23 May 2026

    Nicola takes us to Rosario, Argentina to bring us through the life of Lionel Messi, the soccer (or football) player who because arguably the greatest player ever! Meanwhile we find out a little bit more about Deprecatus. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 10-20 minutes long, perfect for ages 5-12. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  10. East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon

    16 min 16 May 2026

    Welcome back to the Old Library with Captain Blunderface and Nicola the storyteller, and Deprecatus too, all sitting around for this classic Nordic folk tale. Meanwhile our Old Library crew marvels at how old the story actually is. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  11. How The Camel Got His Hump

    12 min 9 May 2026

    We learned an IMMENSE amount about camels and their origins in this story, narrated by ... Nicola's own dad! Meanwhile at the old library, the captain thinks Deprecatus should write his own story. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: John Craig Host: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  12. The Musicians of Bremen

    14 min 2 May 2026

    Welcome, music lovers! Or Animal lovers? This is a classic tale you will both love regardless. Nicola tells us all about a squad of interesting individuals that find a way to band together. Meanwhile, Deprecatus is concerned about spoilers. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  13. The Lady With The Lamp

    16 min 25 April 2026

    Join us for a very exciting TRUE story, of a woman who transformed the world of nursing and healthcare; Florence Nightingale, as narrated by Nicola. Meanwhile at the old library, Deprecatus is feeling restless. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  14. The Wind In The Willows, Part 4

    15 min 21 April 2026

    Well hello everybody and welcome to the final instalment of Wind In The Willows! An exciting finish I'm sure, for Mole, Toad, Rat, and Badger, and maybe some weasels and stoats along the way. Meanwhile, Deprecatus is taking a bit of a cat nap. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  15. The Wind In The Willows, Part 3

    13 min 18 April 2026

    What's going on in the wonderful world of Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger today? I think a certain character might need a bit more help than usual. Meanwhile, an automatic cat feeder shows up at the Old Library. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  16. The Wind In The Willows, Part 2

    13 min 11 April 2026

    Things are getting even more interesting with Rat, Mole, and now Toad and Badger in this beloved story told by Nicola. Meanwhile Captain Blunderface and Deprecatus are getting up to their usual antics. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  17. The Wind In The Willows, Part 1

    17 min 4 April 2026

    We've got to do something about Mr. Toad! But first, Rat and Mole kindle an epic friendship. Nicola narrates an adapted version of Kenneth Grahame's classic story. Meanwhile Deprecatus and Captain Blunderface are doing their own spring cleaning. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  18. Banksy, The Secret Artist

    19 min 28 March 2026

    Today's true story is all about a mysterious artist known as "Banksy". Nicola unwinds the strange world of Banksy's secrets. Meanwhile, Story Swiftina and Captain Blunderface are divided on Deprecatus' art. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  19. The Reluctant Dragon

    18 min 21 March 2026

    "Reluctant", definition: feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness. Basically, not wanting to do something. So ... what is this dragon unwilling to do!? We'll find out in this incredible story told by Nicola. Meanwhile at the Old Library, Captain Blunderface needs help from Deprecatus to solve a new problem. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  20. The Princess and the Goblin, Part 2

    10 min 15 March 2026

    Mysterious goblins are up to no good. What can a princess do? We'll find out in today's episode, narrated by Nicola. Meanwhile, Baby Blunderface was so invested in the story, she stuck around the old library to hear the ending. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  21. The Princess and the Goblin, Part 1

    12 min 14 March 2026

    A brave young princess discovers a hidden secret in this classic story by George MacDonald.. Meanwhile, there are some multi-generational Blunderface shenanigans at the old library. Hear what happens as told by Nicola, our amazing storyteller. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  22. The Lady Who Lived In A Tree

    16 min 7 March 2026

    What made Julia Butterfly Hill live in a tree for 2 years? Find out in this amazing true story told by Nicola. Captain Blunderface and Deprecatus enjoyed Grandpa's visit last week but are just chilling in the treehouse behind the old library. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  23. The Odyssey, Part 3

    15 min 28 February 2026

    You've been waiting to hear how the adventure of Odysseus comes to an end, and here it is! Nicola tells us exactly what the rest of his adventure holds. At the old library, Captain Blunderface is joined by a very special guest who is a blast from the past. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  24. The Odyssey, Part 2

    14 min 21 February 2026

    We'll have to see what happens to Odysseus in this set of adventures. Does he explore islands? Does he find monsters? Do his men keep up? Nicola guides us through the scary seas and mythical happenings of his journey. Meanwhile back at the old library, there's a book giveaway. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  25. The Odyssey, Part 1

    17 min 14 February 2026

    Nicola sets sail with Stories from Now and Then's first multi-part story, of the mythical tale of Odysseus. Meanwhile back at the old library, there are some ringers filling in for the Captain. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  26. The Kindest Neighbour on TV

    15 min 7 February 2026

    Nicola shares the incredible true story of Mr. Fred Rogers, and how he shared his life to help children and people around the world. Meanwhile, Deprecatus gets into a sticky situation while making puppets. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  27. The Emperor's New Clothes

    17 min 31 January 2026

    What would you do with invisible fabric? We'll find out in today's episode narrated by Nicola. Meanwhile, back at the Old Library, the clothes aren't quite invisible but they seem to have shrunk! Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  28. The Earl Of Attenborough

    15 min 24 January 2026

    What if a cat could change your life? Deprecatus loves this story, where Nicola the storyteller takes us back to this classic "Tale" (or Tail!) about a Cat, a King, and some very clever ideas. Meanwhile back at the old library, Captain Blunderface has the whole place to himself... or does he? Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  29. The Girl Who Learned to Fly

    16 min 17 January 2026

    This is the true story of Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast to ever live! Hear how Simone became the best to ever do it, brought to you by Nicola the storyteller. Meanwhile, Captain Blunderface and Deprecatus are at odds about the nature of cats. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

  30. Beauty And The Beast

    14 min 10 January 2026

    A village girl, a castle, and a mysterious enchanted rose are somehow connected in this classic story, narrated by the amazing Nicola. Meanwhile, Captain Blunderface is slightly scatterbrained and needs some help. Stories From Now and Then is a short weekly calming kids podcast series of old, new and true stories perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or car rides. Episodes are 8-15 minutes long, and perfect for kids (or kids at heart) ages 5-10. Narrator: Nicola Ward Captain Blunderface: Evan Wiebe Stories From Now and Then is Produced by Ocorda Sound, ocorda.com

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