About the show
What If World is a storytelling podcast for kids. Each week, Mr. Eric takes a "what if?" question from a friend and spins it into a story just for you.
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Join Mr. Eric for imaginative stories sparked by kids' questions, fostering curiosity and resilience.
Grownups, share your kids' What-If Questions, and we may use them in a story! Call our voicemail at 205-605-WHAT or email hello@whatifworldpodcast.com.
⚡ Fast Facts
- Audience
- Ages 5–12
- Network
- Eric O'Keeffe / Starglow Media
- Format
- Listen in any order
- Typical length
- 22 min
- Episodes
- 526
- Seasons
- 10 seasons
- Topics
- Stories For Kids, Fiction, Comedy Fiction
Listen now
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Episodes
526 episodes
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407. Niamh asks: What if flamingos were fortune tellers?
23 min 7 September 2026 -
406. Evil Wizard Radio
19 min 31 August 2026 -
405. Pietown #3: What if frogs invaded with magic?
26 min 17 August 2026 -
404. Pietown #2: What if trumpet fish could play the trumpet?
25 min 10 August 2026If a fish trumpets the loudest, does that make it right? Let’s find out as we explore New What City and try to find out why everyone is turning into pie! Themes include: Everyone has different strengths, being loud doesn’t make you right
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403. Ilana asks: What if anyone on the sidewalk turned to pie? (Part 1)
22 min 3 August 2026Meet Zorilla Gorilla, Zebra Fitzgerald, and the Great Catsby in a New What City adventure that lets us see What If World’s biggest city in a new light. Themes include: Making new friends, looking out for tricky behavior, moving to a new home, grown-ups handling their big feelings, weird is wonderful. Support the show, get our Yoto Card, or
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402. John asks: What if a dog and a detective went camping?
19 min 27 July 2026Talking Bears and mumbling Bearries are just some of the strange creatures Fred the Dog and Alabaster Zero will encounter on their camping trip. Mr. Eric and Miss Lynn fully improvise this story, inspired by your questions, and offer some pointers along the way. Lessons include: When telling a story with a friend, it helps to talk to them about your ideas before you start.
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401. Amanda asks: What if you interviewed Miss Karen?
20 min 20 July 2026Detective Alabaster Zero will solve the mystery of how Miss Karen helped create What If World. Will he get to the bottom of her villainous plot against cereal? Lessons include: We’ve got to be bad at something before we get to be sort of okay at it; it can be very fulfilling to figure out something on your own.
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400. Rollygobs #3: The Starshard
29 min 6 July 2026A classic dungeon crawl takes Iggy, Scuggy, and Claude through Fun Gus’s Mush Room as they try to save the city of STEAMhold. Lessons include: Kindness comes back to you in unexpected ways; there is always another problem for a hero to help with. This week, we play G&G with Molly Murphy as Claud the Leafbat Sidekick, Jonathan Cormur as Ignis Draconius the Fire Sorcerer, and Scuggy Woodrot, the Armadillo Magineer. Molly Murphy is the head writer for Dorktales Storytime Podcast, and you can reach them for all your writing needs at: mkmurphycreative@gmail.com Jonathan Cormur is a professional voice actor, and you can hear many of his amazing voices on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast: jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast Dante Belletti tutors middle and high school students on Zoom for test prep and academic support. Grown-ups can email danteabelletti@gmail.com to learn more! This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins adventure, where What If World guests play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions! Part 1 & 2 of this series are episodes 398-399. Look for G&G or Cryptid Kids episodes if you want to hear more.
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399. Rollygobs #2: The Skyspire
29 min 29 June 2026Our heroes face gargoyles and magic plants as they attempt to climb the tallest tower in the city! Can Ignis the Fire Sorcerer, Scuggy the Armadillo Magineer, Claude the Leafbat Sidekick, and the painted superhero known as Knight Wing reach the top in one piece? Lessons include: Listening and creative thinking are more effective than fighting. This week, we play G&G with actor and tutor Dante Belletti, the voice actor behind Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Jonathan Cormur, and the head writer for Dorktales, Molly Murphy! Molly Murphy is the head writer for Dorktales, and you can reach them for all your writing needs at: mkmurphycreative@gmail.com Jonathan Cormur is a professional voice actor and you can hear many of his amazing voices on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast: jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast Dante Belletti tutors middle and high school students on Zoom for test prep and academic support. Grown-ups can email danteabelletti@gmail.com to learn more! This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins adventure, where What If World guests play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions! Part 1 of this series was episode 398. Look for G&G or Cryptid Kids episodes if you want to hear more.
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398. Rollygobs #1: The Frozen Portal
30 min 22 June 2026Can Ignis the Fire Sorcerer, Scuggy the Armadillo Magineer, Claude the Leafbat Sidekick, and the painted superhero known as Knight Wing rescue the unicorns from the frozen portal? Lessons include: When rivals work together, they can do amazing things; everyone has different specialties, even if they share similar interests! This week, we play G&G with three players: actor and tutor Dante Belletti, the lead voice actor for the Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Jonathan Cormur, and the head writer for Dorktales, Molly Murphy! Dante tutors middle and high school students on Zoom for test prep and academic support. Grown-ups can email danteabelletti@gmail.com to learn more! Jonathan Cormur is a professional voice actor and you can hear many of his amazing voices on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast: jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast Molly Murphy is the head writer for Dorktales and you can reach them for all your writing needs at: mkmurphycreative@gmail.com This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins adventure, where What If World guests play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions! Look for G&G or Cryptid Kids episodes if you want to hear more.
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397. Pandabeard vs. Mr. Eric vs. Krakthuncle (Part 2)
21 min 8 June 2026Krakthuncle returns with an appetite and Petrina is snoozing on duty. Can the red panda pirates win the day with their cuddly might? Lessons include: Doing the work of the house together is a chance to connect with your family; getting caught up on chores makes for uninterrupted creative time! This episode was written by writer/actor, and good friend of Mr. Eric’s, Kevin Swanstrom! Check him out for all your writing/acting needs at kevinswanstrom.com
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396. Henry asks: What if everyone grew beards? (Part 1)
21 min 1 June 2026Petrina the Pirate takes over the story and Mr. Eric has to face the Red Panda Pirates! Lessons include: We each need to help out with the work of the home; we cannot cuddle others without their consent. 2 This episode was written by writer/actor, and good friend of Mr. Eric’s, Kevin Swanstrom! Check him out for all your writing/acting needs at kevinswanstrom.com
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395. Fred & the Peanut Butter Beast (with Andy Griffiths)
26 min 25 May 2026In the latest episode of their madcap cooking show, inFredible, Fred gets turned into Peanut Butter and chased by the Peanut Butter Beast! We are joined by Andy Griffiths, author of the hilarious You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast, illustrated by Bill Hope. Lessons include: Table manners help you enjoy your meal safely and mindfully; if a device is unnecessary, set it aside while you eat. Australian Children's Laureate Andy Griffiths is our special guest this week. His latest book is a fully illustrated adventure for kids 6-10, called You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast! We read the first two books with Thing 1 and Thing 2 and all had a lot of laughs. Find it at your favorite bookstore and please share any What Ifs it inspires!
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394. Rory asks: What if Fred the Dog turned into a door with a face?
21 min 18 May 2026In our first Rory-Fred-Doory-Story, we take a trip to What If World’s favorite theme restaurant, Chunky Choosers. They play the claw game, build plastic block monsters, and meet JFKat for a French Toast Party! Lessons include: Hard games are more rewarding than easy ones; you can travel anywhere with your imagination What If World producer Miss Lynn is heading back out on the road with a series of concerts in June! Will she be near you? Check her tour dates and find out!
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393. Thiago asks: What if shoes could walk by themselves?
21 min 4 May 2026Everyone’s favorite vampiric comic, Cackula, leads a meditation this week, focusing on kindness. But if you ask him, it’s a “Deaditation,” and he may or may not possess a pair of shoes… Lessons include: We owe ourselves kindness; we can look back to understand our failures and focus on our wins.
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392. Cluckerdile’s Revenge! (with John Patrick Green)
25 min 27 April 2026The InvestiGators, Mango & Brash, visit What If World when their comic creator, John Patrick Green, goes missing! Can the gators find the captured comic, or will their non-canonical half-chicken half-crocodile nemesis defeat them once and for all? Lessons include: Art can bring out the good in all of us; revenge is never necessary. You can find the InvestiGators graphic novel series for kids at your local bookstore. Visit InvestiGatorsbooks.com to learn more about the series, which includes four audiobook adaptations! You can also follow the author and illustrator at johnpatrickgreen.com.
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391. Sonali asks: What if Fred became an international pop star?
21 min 20 April 2026How does a job at the Post Office turn Fred the Dog and JFKat into pop stars? Listen and find out! Lessons include: We need to eat a variety of foods to stay healthy and happy; we can reduce plastic waste by looking for biodegradable alternatives.
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390. Claire asks: What if bug bites were from invisible unicorns?
25 min 6 April 2026We meet baby Dracomax and Abacus and see a What If World Home Invention show as everyone in What If World tries to figure out the Invisibility Crisis! Lessons include: Our kind little choices every day make the world a better place; in dragon language, apologize means “Give Pizza”
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389. Felix asks: What if the world is an apple being eaten by a space giant?
24 min 30 March 2026The crew of the Squidship Squiggler must save the planet of Applonia from a hungry moon! Or is it the other way around? Lessons include: All kinds of life are precious; with compromise and cooperation, all creatures can learn to live in peace.
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388. Dude, Where’s My Broom? (Cryptid Kids #17)
29 min 23 March 2026Abacus P. Grumbler runs the adventure today, as the Cryptid Kids track down clues at a magical college full of snakes, goblins, and SUSPECTS! Lessons include: This G&G adventure shows you how to run a simple, fun TTRPG mystery for kids. Mystery Snacks, a family-focused TTRPG sourcebook, is available for pre-order! Get "Dude, Where’s My Broom” and seven other easy-to-run adventures for kids at mystery-snacks.backerkit.com. A huge thanks to our friend Steph C. of TTRPGkids.com for letting us use their adventure to inspire this story!
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387. Lucian asks: What if Alabaster Zero became a flower farmer?
23 min 9 March 2026Alabaster is forced into a very long vacation and reveals a secret superpower! Lessons: We don’t have to be who people expect us to be; taking a break can help us see in a new light
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386. Emma asks: What if Fred found a ball that could make him teleport? (w/ Kevin Del Aguila)
22 min 2 March 2026Join us for a Tuna Tune with special guest Kevin Del Aguila, bookwriter and lyricist for the amazing Dog Man: The Musical and Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical! Adventure across What If World and beyond as Fred & JFK finally find a home! Lessons include: Travel can be tiring, but it’s a great way to make new discoveries and connections! Find out when Dog Man: The Musical, Cat Kid: The Musical, and the Click Clack Moo musical are touring near you at twusa.org.
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385. Evie asks: What if there was a chicken who was also a knight?
18 min 23 February 2026Grab your Buggy Board and join us at the beach! Can Hudson the chicken knight solve the mystery of the missing beach bug? Only with your help! Lessons include: Leave shells and rocks on the beach; Every creature deserves a home! 2
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384. Denim asks: What if Fred became a math wizard?
20 min 9 February 2026Fred the Dog, JFKat, and Dancey Pantsy have been looking for a home since last summer. Now they’re going to get help from their local library! Lessons: This is an exercise in improv, with a grown-up and kid working together and agreeing with each other to bring you an amazing adventure! his week, we’re teaming up with TTRPGKids to tell you about Mystery Snacks, a collection of easy-to-use all-ages TTRPG mysteries funding right now on BackerKit. This game features drop-in scenarios that serve up cozy, silly, and twisty whodunit vibes to your table. Follow the campaign here: tinyurl.com/MystrySnks1
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383. Callie asks: What if you met a T-Rex in the future?
18 min 2 February 2026Cthunkle, Thomas the T-Rex, and a Ghost Spinosaurus show up in this very special episode, featuring Callie as our guest. Lessons: This is an exercise in improv, with a grown-up and kid working together and agreeing with each other to bring you an amazing adventure!
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382. Edith asks: What if a unicorn ate a pegasus on the moon? (Part 2)
26 min 26 January 2026Hernosity and Pixicato must save the world from a plot so ridiculous and convoluted that it just might work! Lessons: Technology can be amazing when we learn to use it in healthy, sustainable ways.
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381. Roxy asks: What if unicorns were somehow the villains? (Part 1)
24 min 12 January 2026It’s Honing Day at the Stables, and Hernosity the Unicorn is keeping a secret from the other magical horses. Also, there’s a giant hole all the way through What If World! Lessons include: You don’t need anyone else to tell you what your magic is; there are many ways to be a helper.
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380. Reigan asks: What if everyone had only one feeling?
23 min 5 January 2026Fred the Dog and JFKat take a trip down the Whyway to a little town called Brainbow, where everyone only feels one feeling! Also, they’re all zombies! Lessons include: Every feeling is important; we can experience our feelings and keep going!
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379. Addy asks: What if everything was dessert?
17 min 29 December 2025Whendi, Ana, and Dr. Joan are back, searching for the best foods in Europe. Unfortunately, the Learninator also appears to have lost his manners! In this listener-submitted story, Nayara answers Addy’s question with an incredible original story. Lessons include: Keep it kind when sharing feedback; every part of the world has their own great food!
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378. CK #16: Scumhive and Villainy
29 min 15 December 2025It’s the final showdown: two squids, three kids, and a whole lot of slime! Can the Cryptid Kids save the pirate city of Scumhive and get back to their own timeline? Lessons include: Resilience is important, but so is knowing when to ask for help! This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327-328, 330-331, 341-342, 344-345, 354-355, 365-367, & 376-377, Cryptid Kids #1 to #15, to start from the beginning!
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377. CK #15: A Tale of Two Squiddies
26 min 8 December 2025Cthunkle faces the Bone Kraken on the Slime Sea while the Cryptid Kids try to figure out how to save the pirate city of Scumhive! Lessons include: When you trust someone, you can rely on them even when they’re far away. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327-328, 330-331, 341-342, 344-345, 354-355, 365-367, & 376, Cryptid Kids #1 to #14, to start from the beginning!
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376. CK #14: What if Cthunkle ruled the universe?
23 min 1 December 2025After a time travel mishap, the Cryptid Kids find themselves in the pirate city of Scumhive, only each of them arrive at a different time! Plus, they all seem to think Cthunkle is their ruler… Lessons include: We should use our power to help others; slowing down can help you avoid mistakes. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327-328, 330-331, 341-342, 344-345, 354-355, & 365-367, Cryptid Kids #1 to #13, to start from the beginning!
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375. Talbot asks: What if a polar bear did the Tour de France?
24 min 24 November 2025Fair Elise has to ride with phoenixes and polar bears in the Tour de France, only she doesn’t know how to ride a bike! Can JFKat and Miss Lynn help her learn? Lessons include: Sports can be as inclusive as we want them to be; communication is an important part of every friendship.
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374. Zoronoak and the Sword of If
26 min 17 November 2025The greatest pirate swordmaster in What If World wishes to face the greatest challenge he can find, but no one seems to want to spar with him. Lessons include: kids can learn to take risks with guidance; in a peaceful world, we’ll still have a need for exercise, expression, and healthy competition.
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373. Desmond asks: What if Fred drove an RV to Australia?
17 min 3 November 2025Fred is up to his old tricks, or should we say licks? Then, we meet Dessie, the banjo-playing koala! Lesson: This fully improvised episode is meant to get your kids excited about telling stories with friends and family, mistakes and all!
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372. Evelyn asks: What if Halloween was canceled?
23 min 27 October 2025Cthunkle and the evil book known as the Fictionary are here to cancel Halloween! Can Zach and Zizi stop them? Lessons include: There are many ways to trick-or-treat or have costumed fun with your neighbors on Halloween; just because it’s written in a book doesn’t make it accurate!
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371. Callie asks: What if there was a school at night where you learn about monsters?
24 min 20 October 2025Pixicato and Alabaster Zero head to the Cleocastle to attend Monster School. Trouble is, the school is half sunk! Lessons include: We expand our idea of normal by meeting new people and asking questions; being a good leader takes a lot of listening.
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370. Time Climb
28 min 6 October 2025Our 10th season kicks off with an epic adventure that reveals a little of Whendiana Joan’s mysterious past. Also, there’s mac n’ cheese and dinosaurs! Lessons include: There are many different ways to overcome a challenge; the future may be uncertain, but we can still be confident in ourselves.
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247. An Interview with Pipey-O!
20 min 13 April 2026What happens when your favorite sewer wizard gets his magic wrench wand chewed on by Fred the Dog? Why don’t we ask him! Wizards, pirates, and dragon-turtle-dogs come along for the ride in this story told through your interview questions. Lessons include: It takes time and effort to discover our purpose in life; sometimes we need to give criticism a rest and just be there for our loved ones. This remastered episode has new sound effects and higher quality audio. It first aired on June 20th, 2022.
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211. Snail Mail Stories
17 min 10 November 2025Fair Elise and Petey the Press Secretey hold are holding a press conference to answer some of your snail mail questions. Will things devolve into utter chaos as the questions pile up? Almost definitely ;) Lessons include: Thinking of conflict as Good vs. Bad can keep you from understanding both sides; 500 cans is too much tuna... This remastered episode originally aired on July 12th, 2021. It’s got new sound effects, better balanced audio, and reflection questions at the end!
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190. A Cthunkle Carol (Part 2)
20 min 24 December 2025Cthunkle left off with the impulsive ghost of Ifmas Present. Will the wicked Squidopus learn the error of his ways, or will he be defeated by a sludge monster? Lessons include: Being kind can feel like a sacrifice, but a very rewarding one; unfairness may not always be punished, but it rarely brings true happiness. This remastered classic originally aired on December 28th, 2020.
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189. A Cthunkle Carol (Part 1)
19 min 22 December 2025Cthunkle’s getting a surprise birthday present, a story where he’s actually taken over What If World! Of course, ruling the world may not be so fun when Cthunkle finds himself haunted by moralizing spirits... Lessons include: Great wealth and power doesn’t bring great happiness; we don’t need to wait for the holidays to be kind to each other. This remastered classic originally aired on December 21st, 2020.
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174. What if a pirate and a detective went on a mission together?
26 min 11 May 2026Alabaster Zero is tricked by Petrina the Pirate into going on a mission with Petey. Can they get Petrina’s secret envelope to safety? Lessons include: Making a new friend takes patience and a positive attitude; money can’t buy everything, but we all must have enough to stay healthy and happy! This remastered episode has new FX and smoother sound throughout. The original aired August 17th, 2020.
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160. What if Story Pirates came into What If World?
22 min 19 January 2026Uh-oh, Cthunkle has captured the Story Pirates’ Lee Overtree! Will Lee be able to help Cthunkle with his reading, or will the storyteller be stuck in Cthunkle’s slimy lair forever? Lessons: read what interests you, just don’t forget to try new things now and then; reading is not a competition, so take your time, be kind to yourself, and enjoy! This remastered episode first aired on April 13th, 2020.
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151. What if holidays flew onto Mount Everest?
20 min 16 March 2026Dracomax is sick, but he’s determined to wait until the next holiday to feel better. Trouble is, the holidays have disappeared! JFKat and Patty Pan head off to find the missing days, while Abacus and Lola Rabbit stay behind to help Dracomax feel better. Lessons: We don’t need to wait for the holidays to make us feel better; big feelings are not something to ignore or feel ashamed of This story has been remastered with new FX, smoother vocals, and better-balanced music. It originally aired on February 3rd, 2020.
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142. What if numbers were made out of tangerines?
22 min 13 July 2026Dracomax has a new friend who hasn’t discovered her true dragon name yet. Can Dracomax help her figure out who she is? Lessons: We don’t have to be who we’re told to be; Being mean may get you noticed, but it won’t make you happy. This story has been remastered with new effects, cleaned up sound, and a takeaway practice at the end.
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140. What if LEGOs came to life in a cooking class?
16 min 15 June 2026Abacus P. Grumbler gets to host his own cooking show this week, and the whole Jamma-Loo Family will learn the great secrets of cooking magic… That is, if they can keep Zach’s Ninjagoos under control. Lessons include: It’s fun to forget ourselves while playing, but we still need to remember our friends’ feelings; throwing an egg in its shell is painful! This episode has been remastered with new effects, post-story reflection, and smoother sound throughout. The original story aired on October 21st, 2019.
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120. Felicity asks: What if my lunch lady was an octopus?
20 min 13 October 2025Zach and Zizi are on a mission to feed the sky a healthy meal. But can they save the world and still get back to school in time for Pizza Day? Lessons include: big changes don’t happen overnight, but using your voice can help get things started; junk food makes us feel like junk and healthy food makes us feel healthy, who’da thunk? This remastered episode originally aired on April 22nd, 2019.
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SME #43: Crumb Storm
20 min 18 June 2026Mr. Eric reveals the species of his kids, Alabaster Zero has to go back to school with Mr. Balloony Pants, and JFKat breaks stuff (as usual)! This is a teaser of the full episode of Stump Mr. Eric, featuring a trivia question only Mr. Eric can answer, and a fully-improvised story! What If World producer Miss Lynn is heading back out on the road with a series of concerts in June! Will she be near you? Check her tour dates and find out!
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SME #42: Audio Receipt
21 min 14 May 2026Fred orders “pizza” for a huge cast of What If World friends in a fully-improvised story, and a mystery guest from What If World’s past visits the studio to answer some of your trivia questions about names! This is a teaser of the full episode of Stump Mr. Eric, featuring the improvised story round! What If World producer Miss Lynn is heading back out on the road with a series of concerts in June! Will she be near you? Check her tour dates and find out!
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SME #41: Chip Ship
21 min 16 April 2026In perhaps the wizardiest SME ever, Mr. Eric and Miss Lynn tell a story involving Walter the Wizard Walrus, after which Abacus P. Grumbler attempts to answer some very stumpy trivia!
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SME #40: Septuple Axel
22 min 19 March 2026Miss Lynn and Fred show off their ice-skating routine to celebrate the Winter Olympics, and Cthunkle shows Mr. Eric how to limber up!
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36. Malakhi asks: What if Paw Patrol were big and knights were small?
24 min 24 August 2026 -
SME #36: What’s My Line?
20 min 13 November 2025A magical mishap makes Fred’s tongue stretch across the world! Later, Zach makes up a monster.
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SME #35: Mr. Mouser & the Maple Bee
19 min 16 October 2025A bee and a flower go searching the dark forest for something sweet. Later, Mr. Mouser helps Cthunkle find the elusive jumping coffee bean!
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17. Jacob asks: What if cars could fly?
21 min 16 February 2026Come to Jalopo’s workshop and meet Pintopio, a flying car who wants to be a real baseball player! Will he succeed? Poppa Loo doesn’t seem to think so, but when has he ever been right about anything? Lessons: Our world becomes more amazing the more inclusive we make it; we can all find a way to enjoy movement. This remastered episode features new effects, music, and a freshened audio mix! It originally aired on February 16th, 2016.
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SME #2: A Stumper for All Seasons
26 min 27 August 2026Support the show to get every episode of Stump Mr. Eric and all our stories, ad-free: whatifworldpodcast.com/support JFKat and Mr. Business show up to not help Mr. Eric at all—big surprise. Share trivia, ask interview questions, or give us the weirdest challenge you can dream up. Improv games, riddles, singing contests, you name it! Email Stumpers to lynn@whatifworldpodcast.com with your grownup's permission. Please use "Stump" in the subject line and share the answers to your trivia questions. Let us know whether or not you’re a supporter of the show. We can email non-supporters whose Stumpers get used with an MP3 of the episode so you don’t miss it! Want more kids podcasts for the whole family? Grown-ups,
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369. Alison asks: What if cheetahs were the fastest in the air and the water?
26 min 29 September 2025Fast Alice, the fastest cheetah in the universe, adopts a baby tree-dog. As the dog grows up and Alice grows old, she finds that she isn’t so fast anymore. Lessons include: Growing old is just a part of growing up; what we say to ourselves can become true; we only stop growing when we stop trying.
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368. Carden asks: What if Fred the Dog got put in a cone? (w/ Miss Lynn)
22 min 22 September 2025Fred the Dog looks for a new home, with help from an accident-prone realtor named Basil the Basset, played by Miss Lynn. Lessons include: Watching other people suffer won’t make you feel better; finding a new home can take time and patience.
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367. CK #13: Enter the Eggtrix
28 min 8 September 2025Our adventurers find themselves atop a massive Eggship flying in the sky. But is the ship trying to save people, or trap them forever? Lessons include: When we work together, we can face the truth, endure discomfort, and make the world safer for everyone. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327-328, 330-331, 341-342, 344-345, 354-355, & 365-366, Cryptid Kids #1 to #12, to start from the beginning!
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366. CK #12: Raggor Ruin and the Secret City
21 min 1 September 2025On their way to save Scribno, our adventurers are stopped by Raggor Ruin, a monstrous behemoth made of Fast Fashion Clothing. Can they escape his fibrous clutches and complete their mission? Lessons include: To help save our planet, we can all buy fewer clothes; big feelings need to be shared before they overwhelm us. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327-328, 330-331, 341-342, 344-345, 354-355, & 365, Cryptid Kids #1 to #11, to start from the beginning!
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365. CK #11: What if Scribno fell into a bottomless pit?
21 min 25 August 2025When their friend Scribno goes missing, the Cryptid Kids will have to search all of Berend to find him. Zach makes his GM debut, and Zizi returns as a Player! Lessons include: When we try to ignore our feelings, they tend to sneak out anyway. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die, help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327, 328, 330, 331, 341, 342, 344, 345, 354 & 355, Cryptid Kids #1 to #10, to start from the beginning!
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364. Ryan asks: What if a weird antidote turned you into a shark? (w/Brian Yanish)
28 min 18 August 2025Shark and Bot, the famous kids’ comic book characters, visit What If World along with their creator, Brian Yanish. Of course, Brian quickly gets turned into a shark-man by Abacus P. Grumbler… Lessons include: Art takes practice, but that’s part of the fun! This week, we’re joined by Brian Yanish. His graphic novel series for kids, Shark and Bot, has delighted Mr. Eric’s family for years, and we couldn’t be more excited about this team-up. He’s also got a new kid’s picture book out, Sweet and Sour.
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363. Eli asks: What if Alabaster Zero learned he was in a podcast?
27 min 4 August 2025What do a stampede of lions, a white birch stick, an animatronic Fred the Dog, and a spooky castle have in common? It’s up to you to find out, with a bit of help from Alabaster Zero! Lessons include: We can’t solve every mystery on our own, and fortunately, we don’t have to; A good detective asks questions before making assumptions.
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362. Three Short(ish) Stories!
33 min 28 July 2025Listen to three stories from our monthly supporter-only show, Stump Mr. Eric. These stories are fully improvised by Mr. Eric and inspired by your What If Questions. Lessons include: We must speak up for ourselves and others when we see something wrong.
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361. Zora and Nora vs. the Math Monsters
18 min 21 July 2025The forest monsters, Scushroom and Crabimedes, need your help in this fully improvised story. Just remember, math and magic don’t mix! Lessons include: When you make up a story with a friend, treat every detail as a gift.
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360. Adopt-A-Fred Part 3: Beige New World
21 min 7 July 2025Can Zizi and Abacus take on Dancy Pantsy alone? And who will Fred the Dog end up living with? It’s the exciting conclusion of our three-part special! Lessons include: Understanding the past helps us build a better future; be brave enough to disagree when it's essential!
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359. Adopt-A-Fred Part 2: Khaki Attacky
23 min 30 June 2025It’s Molamo’s turn to tell a story (or two). Can he and Abacus P. Grumbler the wizard learn to face their problems? Also, a pair of pants has taken over the world. Lessons include: We need to face our problems to grow; not everyone will like your art, but how you feel about it matters most.
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358. Adopt-A-Fred
24 min 23 June 2025Molamo the lava monster, the Jammaloo family, and a special guest compete to see who Fred the Dog will live with! Lessons include: When adopting a pet, we have to consider what’s best for it; even when we can’t save the whole world, we can still try to make a difference.
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357. Cathleen asks: What if toothbrushes made pencils disappear?
22 min 16 June 2025The Toothbrush people used their magical bristles to make the Pencil people invisible. Plus, Fred the Dog starts looking for his new home. Lessons include: Treating your neighbor with kindness can help you learn and grow; you are the boss of your body.
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356. Dear Prudence, the Giant Sheepdog
16 min 2 June 2025Fred the Dog teams up with Prudence to save a herd of sheep from an evil wizard and cat duo! Lessons include: This fully improvised episode offers tips on telling off-the-cuff stories with your friends and family.
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355. Cryptid Kids #10: Worlds Collide
34 min 26 May 2025The Cryptid Kids must track down Cthunkle before he can steal the magical power of an entire world. Lessons include: Being all-powerful would take all the surprises out of life; when playing make-believe, we all get to add to the story. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die (or d20), help us tell the story, along with your questions. Listen to episodes 327, 328, 330, 331, 341, 342, 344, 345, & 354, Cryptid Kids #1 to #9, to start from the beginning!
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354. Cryptid Kids #9: The Taco Portal Puzzle
28 min 19 May 2025In Whentendo, the land of video games, the Cryptid Kids must track down Cthunkle and face a horde of disgruntled monsters. But what is the Colossal squidopus after this time? Lessons include: Making a small pact with yourself is more fun and less pressure than setting a huge goal; rushing through a game defeats the purpose of play!
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353. Meditation: What if Petey shared his secret?
20 min 12 May 2025In Petey the Pirate's acceptance meditation, we will ride on an interstellar unicorn to visit Planet Perfect, cause a major traffic jam in New What City, and help Petey accept his true self. Lessons include: Seeing yourself and your problems from a distance can be very relaxing; sharing our authentic selves is more important than trying to please others.
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352. Juan asks: What if Fred became an Influencer? (w/ Jonathan Magnum)
19 min 28 April 2025Fred meets Jonathan Mangum, host of “Let’s Make a Deal,” and they become famous by inventing Coffee Soup. Everything’s going great until Cthunkle tries to take over! Lessons include: You don’t have to be what people expect you to be; we should take time to consider what we want to share online and how we share it. Jonathan Mangum is cohost of a new comedy podcast for grown-ups called Wayne Brady’s What If with Jonathan Mangum. We had a blast exploring your What Ifs together in this very special guest episode!
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351. Freaky Fredday Part 2: The Freddy-Headed Horsey Cat
25 min 21 April 2025Fred the Cat and JFDog have swapped places. Now they fear a two-headed mushroom monster will destroy the Observatorium before it can be rebuilt. Lessons include: Home is where your family is; just because someone is different, it doesn’t mean they’re dangerous.
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350. Freaky Fredday
19 min 14 April 2025The What If Question that’s been asked more than any other finally gets answered! Your favorite dog and cat characters switch places in the first episode of this two-part story. Lessons include: Everyone deserves a home; it takes imagination to see from someone else’s perspective; it’s important to always clean up our messes, especially out in nature!
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349. Layton asks: What if bedrooms could clean themselves?
29 min 31 March 2025After saving a hundred video game worlds, Pipey-O just wants to sit down and play some video games. Too bad his room is a mess! Can he get some help from the Million-Hand-Headed Hydra? Lessons include: Everyone needs to relax sometimes, but not all activities are as relaxing as they seem; describe a video game out loud to find its real value.
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348. Snowy White and the Seven Dogs
23 min 24 March 2025When the Magic Mirror tells Snowy the cat that there’s only kind of beauty, Fred the Dog has to set the record straight! Lessons include: Beauty isn’t just what we see, it’s what we feel, what we do, and what we take the time to notice.
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347. Emma asks: What if kids rule the world?
20 min 17 March 2025Pixicato becomes What If World’s president on the same day she gets her new braces! Can she weather all these changes and still make time to help her friends? Lessons include: Big problems can’t be fixed in a day; big changes take time to get used to; liking yourself and leaning on your loved ones can help you face any challenge. Subscribe and show your Support! Grownups, help your kids share questions & ideas at hello@whatifworldpodcast.com, via voicemail at 205-605-WHAT (9428), or on Instagram @whatifworldpodcast Want more kids podcasts for the whole family? Grown-ups,
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346. Owen asks: What if Abacus quit teaching magic? (A Magical Meditation)
18 min 3 March 2025The Observatorium has fallen, and Abacus is stuck as Abybot, the giant robot. Can Fair Elise help him get unstuck from his feelings and rediscover his magic? Themes include: sharing feelings, mindfulness, coping with anxiety
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345. Cryptid Kids #8: Spilling the Tea
26 min 24 February 2025The Cryptid Kids rush to solve the Handra’s riddle as the Observatorium crumbles, and with it, their magic elevator home! Lessons include: Trying new things and visiting new places can help us find ourselves; everyone deserves a chance to explore and grow. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die (or d20), help us tell the story, along with your questions! Start with episodes 327, 328, 330, 331, 341, 342, & 344 Cryptid Kids #1 to #7, to get caught up!
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344. Cryptid Kids #7: What if the Hand Hydra was allergic to tea?
22 min 17 February 2025The kids discover the Hydra’s weakness! Will they use it to defeat the creature or help it find what it seeks? Lessons include: Big problems take teamwork to solve; taking a break helps us face our challenges with fresh eyes. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die (or d20), help us tell the story, along with your questions! Start with episodes 327, 328, 330, 331, 341, & 342 Cryptid Kids #1 to #6, to get caught up!
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343. Lincoln asks: What if the Learninator was interviewed?
20 min 3 February 2025We meet the Learninator’s whole family and discover the secrets of time travel. Get ready for lots of lasers and chrome! Lessons include: family celebrates who you are, not who they want you to be; imagine the future you want, then start taking steps to make it happen!
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342. Cryptid Kids #6: In a Pinch
24 min 27 January 2025The Million-Hand-Headed-Hydra is pinching away the Observatorium, and even parts of What If World. It's time for the Cryptid Kids to call in some backup! Lessons include: failure is part of every big challenge; mistakes provide information that can lead us to new ideas. This story is part of a Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die (or d20), help us tell the story, along with your questions! Start with episodes 327, 328, 330, 331, & 341, Cryptid Kids #1 to #5, if you’ve never heard a G&G story. Here are our four favorite would-you-rather questions. Ask your players these questions before playing G&G, and you’ll know what surprises will please them. For younger kids, ask one question per game. For older kids, ask follow-up questions to help you generate ideas! After every four or five games, ask again and customize the questions or change their order to suit your players better. Would you rather: Explore strange places or meet funny characters? Find a rare treasure or learn a new power? Solve tricky puzzles or face spooky creatures? Train your sidekick or build an invention?
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341. Cryptid Kids #5: What if G&G and What If World mixed together?
26 min 20 January 2025The Observatorium is fading away, and monsters are invading WIW from G&G. Can the Cryptid Kids help Abacus P. Grumbler save his school? Lessons include: Sharing ideas makes play more exciting; with effort and imagination, we can ensure there’s enough for everyone. This story is part of a new Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls, usually with a 20-sided die (or d20), help us tell the story, along with your questions! Start with episodes 327, 328, 330, & 331 Cryptid Kids #1 to #4, if you’ve never heard a G&G story.
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340. Lucia asks: What If Pirates Hunted for Vegetables?
24 min 6 January 2025Petey the Pirate allies with the Broccoli-headed swashbuckler known as Brock O’Lander, but will Petey enjoy hunting for vegetables? Lessons include: It’s good to try new things, but you can’t force people to like something they don’t; people like what they like.
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339. Saffron asks: What if you got stuck in Dungeons & Dungeons? (w/ Tessa Flannery)
30 min 23 December 2024Dracomax and his pen pal, Nessie (voiced by Tessa Flannery), turn into figurines to save Fred the Dog from the dangerous game Dungeons & Dungeons! Lessons include: If all you do is show off, you may miss your chance to connect with a new friend; with patience and creativity, you can change any game to be more inclusive. You can hear Tessa voice more wonderful characters on Girl Tales! Enjoy Girl Tales wherever you listen to podcasts or check out their website: girltalespodcast.com
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338. Colin asks: What if Dracomax got stuck in the 4th dimension? (Courage Meditation)
23 min 16 December 2024He’s done it now. The most enormous dragon in What If World got stuck inside time itself! Can he calm his fears with mindfulness and get himself unstuck? Lessons include: Consider your fear with kindness, courage, and curiosity; courage takes practice!
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337. Aarohan asks: What if robots had emotions? (w/ Dagmara Sitek)
23 min 9 December 2024Our guest Dagmara voices Arrowbot, a young robot taking her first art class. Can she figure out how to share her feelings through art, or will she need help from Articus P. Thumbler? Lessons include: Art can help us express and understand our feelings; You are an artist if you keep practicing, no matter your ability level. Go to couragetales.com to learn more about “Cam Creates a Hero” and other great children’s books by Dagmara Sitek!
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335. Magic Land #2: Alabaster Minus One
26 min 18 November 2024Alabaster Zero and Cramma Olm are stuck inside a tiny bubble, along with Cthunkle, who isn’t much help… Lessons include: It’s never too late to start practicing kindness; we can’t change the past, but our choices shape the future!
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334. Magic Land # 1: What if a mini ghost town was on top of a coffee shop?
25 min 11 November 2024The villains Wardrobe and Cramma Olm have taken over the world, but they don’t know what to do next. Lessons include: Our choices affect the world daily; power doesn’t bring happiness.
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333. Rory asks: What if pancakes were at a party and they fell?
23 min 28 October 2024Fred the Dog and Miss Karen join the fun as a pancake party turns to monster mayhem! Lessons include: We build resilience when we keep trying; syrup-drinking contests are only for pancake people.
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332. Nia asks: What if all the people turned bad?
26 min 21 October 2024When the wizard, Abacus, orders a magic staff from Cramazon, he gets more than he bargained for. Lessons include: Visualizing a positive outcome can turn nervousness into excitement; choices define you, not how other people see you.
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331. Cryptid Kids #4: Escape the Haunted Hotel!
28 min 14 October 2024When Scribno the Doodleknight, Imara the Dragon Detective, and Penny the Pastapus try to escape the Monster Machine, they end up in a strange new world! Lessons include: When others are in need, a helper tries to make a difference. This story is part of a new Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your questions! Start with episodes 327, 328, & 330 Cryptid Kids #1 to #3, if you’ve never heard a G&G story. Campaign Two includes G&G 23 to G&G 33, or episodes 294-296, 302-304, 307, 310-311, and 315-316. Campaign One includes G&G 1 to G&G 22, or episodes 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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330. Cryptid Kids #3: What if a banana became a supervillain?
27 min 7 October 2024What do a banana and a Monster Machine have in common? Your questions and our dice rolls will help us find out. Also, Mr. Eric finally says the word you’ve asked him to speak for years! Lessons include: Big problems require a lot of thought and teamwork to solve; we should talk about our bodies literally and ask our grownups questions if we’re confused. This story is part of a new Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your questions! Start with episodes 327 & 328, Cryptid Kids #1 & #2, if you’ve never heard a G&G story. Campaign Two includes G&G 23 to G&G 33, or episodes 294-296, 302-304, 307, 310-311, and 315-316. Campaign One includes G&G 1 to G&G 22, or episodes 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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336. Good Words World (w/ Miss Lynn)
24 min 25 November 2024Smartsy Fartsy takes us on a tour of Good Words World, where language comes to life. We learn about Idioms, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Euphemisms as we answer four of your What If Questions! Lessons include: There are countless ways to play with language; Be direct when you want to be understood. Head to misslynn.com to learn more about the Good Words podcast and Miss Lynn’s fantastic music!
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207. Beatrice asks: What if What If World had a potluck?
22 min 30 December 2024Petey the Party Planner Pirate puts on a potluck party, and there are a few surprises in store… also, a lot of candy casseroles. Then, unsurprisingly, the world gets taken over. Lessons include: Everyone needs help sometimes, and it’s okay to ask; setting a good example feels terrific, but others won't always follow your lead. This remastered story first aired on June 7th, 2021.
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194. Carson asks: What if a dog dug a hole and everything fell in?
25 min 15 September 2025It’s Fair Elise’s first official day as President of What If World, and everybody wants her to use her magic to help them right away. Meanwhile, Fred’s off somewhere digging a very deep hole... Lessons include: Everyone needs to take a break sometimes; no one person can do it all, we’ve got to work together to truly improve our world. This remastered episode originally aired on February 1st, 2021. It’s got better sound balance throughout and new discussion questions at the end!
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186. Ava asks: What if Mr. Eric had an evil twin brother?
20 min 11 August 2025Myster E tries to answer every question in a single story! Fred might have to come out of retirement for this one. Lessons include: You’re never stuck as long as you keep asking questions; adding strange details to a story is fun, but too many of them can make your story confusing! This remastered episode originally aired on 10/29/2020.
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185. President-Elect Part 2: The Hat Trick
17 min 4 November 2024Fair Elise and Alabaster Zero confront the villain challenging What If World’s election results! Lessons include: There is no such thing as absolute power; if enough people work together, no villain can defeat them. This remastered episode first aired on November 16th, 2020.
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184. Izzy asks: What if your hat was full of spiderwebs? (Remastered)
23 min 30 October 2024Poppa Loo’s News announces the next president, but then a mystery case of spider-web hats overtakes the people of What If World! Can Alabaster and Fair Elise get to the bottom of their latest case? Lessons include: Relationships grow and change as we do; wanting something doesn’t mean you are entitled to it. This remastered episode first aired on November 9th, 2020. Grownups in the US, our next election is Tuesday, November 5th. Visit vote.gov and make your voting plan today!
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183. Zero Hour: The Hidden Holiday
23 min 9 June 2025Alabaster Zero and Fair Elise share the first episode of their detective show, which was inspired by a listener's question! Lessons include: we can make the best of the holidays, even when they change; our big feelings are the most important to share. We are replaying this classic story from October 26th, 2020. We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode. Supporters will get a brand new episode of Stump Mr. Eric on Wednesday!
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178. Big Trouble for Little Freddy (Remastered)
24 min 13 January 2025Fred the Dog runs out of sticks, and desperate times call for desperate antics! What will become of our President? Lessons include: Not all attention is good for you; there’s more to being a leader than getting your way. This remastered episode first aired on September 14th, 2020.
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153. Liv asks: What if clocks were bananas and monkeys ate time?
17 min 7 April 2025Today, we learn about Mr. Eric as he travels back in time. Can he stop the Time Monkey, or will he get stuck in his past? Lessons include: Our past helps shape who we are today, even the parts that aren’t so great; new challenges are always scary, but they can help us learn about ourselves. This remastered classic first aired on February 17th, 2020. Subscribe and show your Support! Grownups, help your kids share questions & ideas at hello@whatifworldpodcast.com, via voicemail at 205-605-WHAT (9428), or on Instagram @whatifworldpodcast Want more kids podcasts for the whole family? Grown-ups,
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116. James asks: What if Fred licked the Internet?
20 min 10 March 2025Fred and Pipey-O team up to rebuild the What House… after Fred chewed the whole house to pieces! Will an Internet What House be able to replace the real thing? Lessons include: Video games cannot replace the real world; if your current approach to a project isn’t working, it might be time to try something else. This remastered classic has new effects and a more balanced sound. The original aired on March 18th, 2019.
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90. Liliana asks: What if swim class was in the trees?
19 min 2 December 2024Larra Legend gets introduced in this ode to Avatar (the show, not the movie). Can the Princess of Penguins and the Princess of Pixies save a knight from the Princess of Pincers? Can Sir Squiggles learn to be grateful for their help? Lessons include: Everyone deserves respect; admit when you need help, and be grateful when you receive it. This remastered classic first aired on August 20th, 2018.
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66. An Interview with Abacus
16 min 14 July 2025Find out more about Abacus P. Grumbler and see if Mr Eric can survive his magic! Lessons include: Titles and objects don’t make you what you are, thinking outside the box can get unexpected results. This remastered episode has higher quality and better-balanced sound with new sound effects. It originally aired on February 26th, 2018.
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53. What If: the Musical! (w/ Chris Kerrigan)
26 min 5 May 2025In What If World's first mini-musical, Mama Jamma, Poppa Loo, Zack and Zizi get sent off into three different fairytales, courtesy of Jenkins, the trickster fairy. Can they learn their lessons and find their way back to each other? Lessons include: If you have something important to say, don't let yourself be silenced; be careful and use common sense in unfamiliar settings; rudeness seldom gets results. A very special thanks to Chris Kerrigan, who wrote the musical numbers for this very special episode. He writes music for grown-ups as Compassion Fatigue, and you can hear him on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. This remastered classic first aired on November 13th, 2017.
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40. Naomi asks: What if candy were good for you?
25 min 10 February 2025Whendiana and the Learninator are back to face another time-traveling candy crisis! Lessons include: It takes a variety of food to help us feel our best; the effort we put into the things we care about makes us remarkable and unique. This remastered classic has new sound effects and music. The original aired on July 24th, 2017.
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Stump Mr. Eric: Four Short Stories
23 min 31 December 2024As a gift to all our listeners, we’re releasing a special episode of Stump Mr. Eric featuring our new short story segment. Fred the Dog, the Learninator, Fair Elise, Alabaster Zero, and several slightly nefarious doubles appear in these stories, all made up on the spot answering your What If Questions.
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329. Gracie asks: What if you could turn into TV characters?
25 min 23 September 2024Detective Alabaster Zero and Fair Elise reunite to track down the villain known as Wardrobe. Is Wardrobe responsible for all the fancy new costumes, or is everyone just exploring their style? We'll need your What If Questions to find out! Lessons include: Playing as someone else won’t change who you are; style is what you like for you! Listen to episode 314. Elliot asks: What if everything had a mustache? (Freddy Booboo Bear Part 1) and episode 317. Juma asks: What if trains didn’t stop? (Freddy Booboo Bear Part 2) to find out more about Wardrobe!
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328. The Cryptid Kids #2: The Monster Machine
28 min 16 September 2024Scribno the Doodleknight, Penny Pasta, and Amara the Ocean Dragon return for another Guilds and Goblins mystery! Where are all the bug monsters coming from, and how will the Cryptid Kids stop them? Lessons include: All creatures deserve kindness, even creepy ones. This story is part two of a new Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your What-If questions! Start with episode 327 if you’ve never heard a G&G story. Campaign Two includes G&G 23 to G&G 33, or episodes 294-296, 302-304, 307, 310-311, and 315-316. Campaign One includes G&G 1 to G&G 22, or episodes 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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327. The Cryptid Kids # 1: Guilds & Goblins Returns!
30 min 9 September 2024A new G&G campaign begins! Can a Doodlknight, a Pasta Chef, and a young Ocean Dragon solve the mystery of the haunted golf course? Lessons include: Grownups can be slow learners; cities need more parks and fewer golf courses. This story is the first part of a new Guilds & Goblins campaign, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your What-If questions! This is a great place to start if you’ve never heard a G&G story. Campaign Two includes G&G 23 to G&G 33, or episodes 294-296, 302-304, 307, 310-311, and 315-316. Campaign One includes G&G 1 to G&G 22, or episodes 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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326. What the If? An Intro to What If World
25 min 2 September 2024The ultimate primer for new and returning fans! Cthunkle hosts a Blarbecue and everyone’s invited! This story includes paper dragons, donuts, and everyone’s favorite long-tongued dog. Lessons include: It’s never too late to try something new; no one is a know-it-all on day one (or ever, really!) Start What If World on any episode, or find a collection of great stories with our curated playlists on Spotify: whatifworldpodcast.com/playlists
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325. Gus asks: What if robots turned into jungle gyms? (Raditude Meditation)
18 min 19 August 2024Randall Radbot becomes a jungle gym, which might bum out some robots. Randall teaches us how to change our programming with a Raditude check! Lessons: Mindfulness helps us hear our negative thoughts without judgment; we can build self-esteem by fueling ourselves with more positive thoughts
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324. Inside the Clown Museum: Inside Cthunkle
23 min 12 August 2024We learn about Cthunkle’s world-dominating tendencies, the weird clown museum in his belly, and how he spends his downtime. Plus, big What If World news is revealed! Lessons: Kindness takes courage; You already know a hero, and you’ve probably been one, too.
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323. Odysseus asks: What inspired Cthunkle to be evil?
22 min 5 August 2024Mr. Eric visits the Cthoffee Shop to sample some new flavors and learn more about Cthunkle’s mysterious origins. Lessons include: You are enough, and you don’t need to listen to anyone who tells you otherwise; everyone has different tastes and ideas, which makes our world fascinating.
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322. Alice asks: What if a robot became evil when you turned it on?
27 min 29 July 2024What do magical mistake potions, evil robots, and Baby Recap have in common? They’re all a big part of today’s story! Lessons include: Accept your past mistakes; remember what kindness feels like, and you’ll be more kind.
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321. Mia asks: What if Abacus got really good at magic?
22 min 15 July 2024In last week’s story (Spoiler Alert!), everyone got turned into robots at the end. Now Mr. Eric, Cthunkle, and Mamma Jamma must save the world by freeing everyone from Abacus’s mind control spell! Lessons include: If we always seek distraction, we will never grow; our feelings remind us who we are.
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320. What If Debate 2024!
20 min 8 July 2024The Final seven candidates debate who should lead What If World into the future! Can your questions help us figure it out? Lessons include: True leaders learn from listening to others; it takes courage to admit you don’t know something.
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319. Jason asks: What if a yo-yo had superpowers?
21 min 1 July 2024Alabaster Zero is lost in the World Pool! How will he ever find the mysterious villain known as Wardrobe? Maybe with a little help from his magic yo-yo… Lessons include: Curiosity can help you find your way; fear and anxiety can make you feel like you don’t have any choices.
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318. Alivia asks: What if butterflies could fly to the moon? (w/ Kristen Kim)
23 min 10 June 2024Kristen Kim, co-host of Culture Kids Podcast plays Luna, a caterpillar who dreams of one day reaching the moon. She will learn lessons from an owl, a wolf, and her monarch butterfly siblings along the way. Lessons include: If you pursue your dreams, you will find people who share them; our differences are beautiful and important. Culture Kids Podcast is hosted by Kristen Kim and her son Asher. They explore a new theme each week, providing children a sense of adventure and a deeper understanding of different cultures. They have several episodes related to the moon: Moonlight Magic: Mid-Autumn Adventures, Spring Festival: Exploring LNY Celebrations in China (Part 1 and Part 2), and Embracing Tet Traditions: A Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration in Vietnam! Find all this and more at: culturekidsmedia.com
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317. Juma asks: What if trains didn’t stop? (Freddy Booboo Bear Part 2)
26 min 3 June 2024Alabaster Zero and Mustachery Inc. must find the monster of the week and recover the Mona Pizza! Listen to episode, 314, “Elliot asks: What if everyone had a mustache?” to hear Alabaster’s first adventure in the Freddy Booboo Bear universe. Lessons include: Examine your fears logically and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
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316. G&G 33: The Idea Tree
24 min 13 May 2024It’s the final showdown between Malador, Swansong, Scullen, and the Hundred-Headed Hydrant. Our adventurers must help the Idea Tree grow by feeding it warmth and hope. Can new ideas thaw out the fear that has frozen the world of Berend? Lessons include: We must take turns being leaders and listeners; we need all your big ideas to make the world better. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your What-If questions! Listen to 294-296, 302-304, 307, 310-311, and 315 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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315. G&G 32: What if crabs got psychic powers?
24 min 6 May 2024Skullen Bones, Swansong, and Malador must get the Idea Tree to MacRuffin Tower. The only thing standing between them and the fate of the world is a city’s worth of robots and high-tech defenses! Lessons include: Fear can make people resist new ideas; even when we do our best, some things are still out of our control. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your What-If questions! Listen to 294-296, 302-304, 307, and 310-311 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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314. Elliot asks: What if everything had a mustache?
22 min 15 April 2024In an ode to Scooby Doo, one of Mr. Eric’s favorite shows as a kid, Alabaster Zero wakes up to find himself in the Freddy Booboo Bear Universe. It’s like your universe, except with more monsters and mustaches. Lessons include: When things are too easy, you won’t enjoy yourself for long.
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313. Henry asks: What if it rained electric guitars? (w/ Henry)
20 min 8 April 2024Henry takes a trip to What If World to help Alabaster Zero master his Rock and Roll skills as we celebrate ICAN radio’s 5th anniversary. Lessons include: Practice makes progress; there’s nothing more Rock and Roll than being yourself! Henry has a trailer up for his new audio drama for kids, Time Warp: The First Season. What If World has been on ICAN radio for five years and you can listen at: icanradio.org
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312. Teddy asks: What if you ate a hot pot with 1,000,000 peppers? (w/ Melly Victor)
19 min 18 March 2024When Abacus finds he can’t stop singing, he asks Cookie from the podcast Stoopkid Stories (played by Melly Victor) to give him Anti-Singing Lessons. Can Cookie help Abacus overcome his latest curse? Lessons include: We can create music together no matter our talent levels; Expressing yourself with friends and family is a great way to build your confidence! Melly Victor is the host and creator of the podcast Stoopkid Stories. In each episode, the Stoopkids face a new adventure and overcome obstacles related to friendship, family, school, and community. These stories are perfect for kids 5 and up.
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G&G 31: Race to Space (w/ Steph & Phil)
24 min 4 March 2024Steph of TTRPG Kids and Phil of Kid Stories Podcast adventure in Dogopolis as DAK the delivery robot and Tillo the armadillo dust wizard. Sniff the Cat leads them to outer space and a final encounter with Dogzilla! Lessons include: Being friendly is often worthwhile; we all need help when taking on big tasks. Steph runs and writes the TTRPGkids website, an ENnie awarded web resource with over 400 articles and posts about tabletop RPGs for kids! They've published many TTRPGs for young players and have used game elements in educational settings to help students connect with the material. Phil Bechtel writes all the episodes of the Kid Stories Podcast where there are stories of ninjas, and dragons and talking sandwiches and fart jokes and a bunch of other fun stuff. He just started publishing two other fun podcasts: Dungeon Crashers and Captain Maxx and the Starfighters. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your What-If questions! Listen to 294-296, 302-304, 307, and 310 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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G&G 30: What if cats could be Astronauts? (w/ Steph & Phil)
25 min 26 February 2024Steph of TTRPG Kids and Phil of Kid Stories Podcast adventure in Dogopolis as DAK the delivery robot and Tillo the armadillo dust wizard. Sniff the Cat tells them that Dogzilla is coming, and the adventurers must figure out what to do! Some old friends may help along the way… Lessons include: Gathering information can help you make big decisions; it is easier to make friends when both parties are open and welcoming. Steph runs and writes the TTRPGkids website, an ENnie awarded web resource with over 400 articles and posts about tabletop RPGs for kids! They've published many TTRPGs for young players and have used game elements in educational settings to help students connect with the material. Phil Bechtel writes all the episodes of the Kid Stories Podcast where there are stories of ninjas, and dragons and talking sandwiches and fart jokes and a bunch of other fun stuff. He just started publishing two other fun podcasts: Dungeon Crashers and Captain Maxx and the Starfighters. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The real-life dice rolls help us tell the story, along with your What-If questions! Listen to 294-296, 302-304, and 307 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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309. Eleanor asks: What if Fred the Dog and JFKat turned into superheroes?
21 min 5 February 2024Welcome to Tin City, where Robotongue meets a confused Catman who claims to be someone called JFKat. The Worldpool has brought us to a new universe this week, but you’ll hear some familiar friends. Lessons include: if everyone stood up for kindness and justice, we wouldn’t need superheroes; meeting someone new can challenge your old ideas.
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308. River asks: What if paintings could read minds? (w/ Lauren Chaitoff)
23 min 29 January 2024Fair Elsie needs a break from her presidential duties, so she visits one of What If World’s most magical museums, the Unnatural Gallery. Can Madame Selah (voiced by Lauren Chaitoff), help Fair Elise relax even after all the art comes to life? Lessons include: How we breathe can affect how we feel; accepting our feelings is a lifelong practice, and we all need help sometimes. This week’s guest is the fantastic yoga instructor for kids, Lauren Chaitoff. Order her new book, 108 Awesome Yoga Poses For Kids, by going to yogibeans.com/book You can also
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307. Rosalie asks: What if the sky was falling? (G&G 29)
28 min 15 January 2024On Mons Icelus, the adventurers face off against Dogzilla on their quest to locate the Idea Tree. They better find it quick, because the sky is falling! Lessons include: An idea grows when it’s shared; We all need connection, hope, and joy to be our best selves. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Listen to 294-296 and 302-304 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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306. But Why If World (with Jane Lindholm)
28 min 1 January 2024We’re teaming up with But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids to answer some of your questions with both science and imagination. Jane Lindholm, Mr. Eric, and Smartsy Fartsy will learn about food, dinosaurs, and astronomy! Lessons include: Imagination is the beginning of science; discovery can help us grow and question what we know!
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305. Malcolm asks: What if What If World had a pool party?
23 min 25 December 2023Mr. Eric meets up with Fred, Whendiana, Abacus, and others to relax by the pool and answer several new questions that have already been answered! Lessons: When we experience a story again, we may find whole new insights (and issues!)
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304. Dennis asks: What if Godzilla was real? (GG 28)
23 min 11 December 2023Our heroes finally reach the frozen moon and find out what happened to the rest of their world. Lessons include: Safety for all starts with a welcoming and inclusive world. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Listen to 294-296 and 302-303 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, 275-279, 294-296, and 302-303.
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303. Zachy asks: What if snow got on the moon? (G&G 27)
29 min 4 December 2023Scullen joins our adventurers, trapped in the Founder’s Museum facing off against giant statues. They must save themselves before they can save the city and the world! Lessons include: Being trapped doesn’t count as safety; when facing a lot of resistance, it’s time to take a step back and see the bigger picture. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Listen to 294-296 and 302 to get caught up on the current campaign. Past G&G episodes include 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, 275-279, 294-296, and 302.
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302. Milly asks: What if you could plant ideas (G&G 26)
23 min 27 November 2023Malador, Alabama Hera, and Swansong find themselves in Dogopolis, a city of the future. The dog people of this sci-fi city are afraid of our heroes and quickly sound the alarm! Lessons include: Sticking together is always a good idea in an unfamiliar place; investigating your fear can help you make better decisions.
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301. Shawn asks: What if there was a donut dimension? (You Know Why: Part 2)
19 min 6 November 2023It’s our 301st episode, and Cthunkle’s in charge, as everyone else ended up in a donut dimension! Let’s see how these donuts party! Featuring guest stars Stoopkid Stories, Dorktales Storytime, The Past and the Curious, Storypillar, and Kesler Talbot! Lessons include: If you’re hiding hurt feelings from a friend or loved one, they will worsen; we don’t have to keep hurtful people in our lives.
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300. Owen asks: What if everyone had a party but Cthunkle wasn’t invited? (You Know Why Part 1)
21 min 30 October 2023It’s our 300th episode, and we celebrate with Stoopkid Stories, Dorktales Storytime, The Past and the Curious, Storypillar, and Kesler Talbot! Cthunkle may not be invited, but you sure are! Lessons include: It hurts to hold onto a grudge; it’s okay to take a little break during a party!
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299. Naia asks: What if pirates fought a giant chipmunk? (Halloween Special)
23 min 16 October 2023Petey, Petrina, Potty, and Pauly the Pirate are on the hunt for Titi the Chipmunster. But is Titi dangerous, or is that just what everyone says? Lessons include: Not everyone on the internet is an expert; no matter your past mistakes, you can make good decisions today.
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298. Abe asks: What if you could play crayons like piano keys? (Meditation)
15 min 9 October 2023Not every kid (or grownup) can sit still for a meditation, and that’s okay! Zach leads us in mindfulness practice today, and it’s okay to draw, wiggle, tidy, or walk. Just keep an eye out for your space! Lessons include: Accepting and celebrating ourselves can help us see how amazing others are; our bodies are wise, and we can learn a lot by listening.
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297. The Picnic Panic (w/ Meg Lewis)
24 min 2 October 2023Duri, a ghost with allergies, needs JFKat and Fred the Dog to help her face her fear of heights. Meg Lewis from the kid’s podcast, Storypillar, helps us tell the story! Lessons include: When our feelings are too big, it’s not a time for questions and lessons; talking out our fears with a trusted person can help them feel more manageable Storypillar (Ages 4-7) is a podcast for kids and their grownups. Sneak (an enthusiastic caterpillar), Bean (an introverted butterfly), and Meg (a human) tackle sticky situations, explore stories from all over the world, and pick up advice from listeners. Check it out at www.storypillar.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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223. Petey the Pumpkin #2: What if a dog was a dentist?
25 min 2 October 2024It's a bonus drop to finish our remastered two-part Halloween Special! Mamma Jamma meets her new dentist, and a surprise special guest gets transformed again and again! Lessons include: listening to the dentist can help us avoid uncomfortable future visits; big or small, everyone is afraid of something This remastered story first aired on November 1st, 2021. Supporters of What If World will get a bonus episode this week!
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222. Petey the Pumpkin #1: What if we are school buses’ breakfast?
24 min 30 September 2024We’ve got two short, Halloween-themed stories to share today. Will Zach and Zizi face their fears together? Lessons include: Most things aren’t all that scary once we learn more about them; we may never feel fully ready to face our fears, and sometimes we have to take a little leap when it’s safe to do so This remastered story first aired on October 15th, 2021. Supporters of What If World will get a bonus episode this week!
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173. The Wholympics!
25 min 22 July 2024We’re taking a break from What If World’s regularly scheduled disaster to replay one of our favorite episodes in preparation for the Olympics! Mamma Jamma and Poppa Loo are announcing for the Wholympics, an undersea tournament of champions! We’re also checking in on some of our aquatic friends from episode 45. Lessons include: traditions aren’t limitations; persistence is more impressive than perfection, and more achievable, too! This episode originally aired on August 10th, 2020.
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162. Dennis asks: What if Fred the Dog bought the What-If-Mobile?
23 min 26 August 2024When Mr. Eric goes missing, Ms. Karen and Fred tell the story. Can they handle all the questions blasted out by the What-If-Mobile? Lessons: It’s wonderful to give, but giving everything we’ve got will not leave us enough to stay happy and healthy. The story originally aired on April 27th, 2020.
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147. Ramona asks: What if Santaphant got sick?
19 min 18 December 2023When Santaphant the Wooly Mammoth gets sick, Fred and JFKat have to save Ifmas with a bit of help from a flying megalodon. Lessons: Learning about other people’s holidays gives us even more to appreciate; You shouldn’t eat candy you find in the forest! This remastered episode originally aired December 23rd, 2019.
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127. Zoe asks: What if Fred the Dog didn't like sticks? (Remastered)
23 min 8 January 2024What would happen if you stopped enjoying your favorite pastime? For Fred, that pastime is… or was… eating sticks. Can he handle losing life’s simplest joy? Lessons include: Your favorite pastime can become a bad habit if you don’t try other things; indulging on occasion is okay!
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118. Aria asks: What if monsters were made of carpet?
23 min 12 February 2024Cthunkle, Squiderella, and Scully think they must scare chickens to get eggs from them. Could there be a better way? Find out in this extra whacky April Fools’ story. Lessons include: Kindness and cooperation can be much more effective than being loud and scary; messing with technology you don’t understand can be dangerous. This remastered story originally aired on April 1st, 2019.
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113. Anika asks: What if you interviewed the Jammaloos?
17 min 20 November 2023Mamma Jamma, Poppa Loo, Zach, and Zizi are all coming to the studio to answer some of your pressing questions. When every family member shines, Poppa Loo starts to feel left out... Lessons include: Everyone in the family has something to contribute; a little moment can be as special as a grand adventure. This episode originally aired on February 18th, 2019.
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95. Enoki asks: What if JFKat could control everything?
21 min 11 March 2024When JFKat controls everything, even the story itself, will he finally realize that napping 19 hours a day might not be the best way to run a world? Maybe Abacus and Rainokhi the Rainbow can help him take the hint. Lessons include: absolute power isn’t fun; sometimes, being responsible means admitting that you need help. This remastered episode originally aired on September 24th, 2018.
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70. Rigley asks: What if phoenixes turned into tacos instead of ashes?
22 min 1 April 2024In our second April Fool’s special, the Whentbridge Timers go up against the Observatorium Grumblers in the biggest (and only-est) basketball game What If World’s ever seen. Pay attention, because the story might try to play some tricks on Mr. Eric. Lessons include: Everyone loses sometimes, and it gives us a chance to improve; Winning doesn’t make you superior to others. This remastered episode first aired on April 2, 2018.
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45. Lucy asks: What if a mermaid found a beautiful treasure?
25 min 24 June 2024Meet Meriah Caring, a mermaid who sets out to find a beautiful treasure during the storm of the century. But what happens when you find a treasure and no one else thinks it's beautiful? Lessons include: the greatest treasures aren't things, they're people; beauty isn't hard to find if you keep an open mind. This remastered classic first aired on September 5th, 2017.
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42. Lucia asks: What if eating marshmallows was against the law?
21 min 29 April 2024Marsha and Marshall Mallow have finally gotten marshmallow-eating outlawed, but New What City is still a long way from Candy Equality. Can the Mallows win over the masses, or will everyone be too distracted by their cute voices? Also, there's a Griffin! Lessons include: Every voice matters; if someone is being treated unfairly, it’s up to you to speak out. The remastered classic first aired on August 14th, 2017.
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23. Emma asks: What if it snowed even in summer?
25 min 27 May 2024Sneakers, why’d it have to be sneakers? Whendiana Joan is back to solve the mystery of Howswell’s lost alien and its sneaker-powered Snowship. Will the people of Howswell accept their newest resident, or will this snow alien lead the town to disaster? Tune in and find out! Lessons include: When we accommodate each other, we help our community grow. This remastered episode first aired on March 20th, 2017.
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SME #15: Cotton Candy Handshake
26 min 24 July 2024It's three-guests-in-one this month as Candy the Kid and both Butterscotch Boots join Mr. Eric and Miss Lynn to try their best to answer confectionery trivia!
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 9 - Chemistry Is Yummy
20 min 17 June 2024Join us for File 4: The Case of the Vanishing Van Gogh, and help Poppi and Ray by learning about polyatomic ions. It’s gonna rock! The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. These comics give kids a fun introduction to chemistry concepts taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 8 - It’s Ion Town
23 min 20 May 2024Poppi and Ray finally find the treasure and meet the pirates. Can their knowledge of ions and ionic compounds save the day, or will Chlorine Clive take the treasure and rule the seven seas? The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. These comics help kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 7 - Follow the Red-Dotted Road
22 min 22 April 2024Meet the Dread Pirate Chlorine Clive and his crew of electron-stealing elements aboard their ship, The Grand Anion. They’re racing toward a king's ransom of gold and silver, but our detectives, Poppi and Ray, are determined to get there first. Can you learn enough about ions and ionic compounds to help? The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. These comics help kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 6 - Time Raiders
20 min 25 March 2024Poppi and Ray are headed to the Caribbean in 1707 for their most fantastical time-travel adventure yet. They’ll need your help learning about ions and ionic compounds as they prepare to face the dreaded pirate Chlorine Clive, a notorious electron thief! The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. These comics help kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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6. Ryan asks: What if it rained candy? (Remastered)
24 min 23 October 2023In this newly remastered Halloween Special, Candy the Kid - a cowboy made of candy, naturally - joins us to talk about his love of eating candy... and why that isn't creepy in What If World! Lessons include: We deserve tasty sometimes foods, like candy, and delicious nourishing always foods, like stew; clean drinking water is a right for everyone. This remastered episode first aired on October 31st, 2016.
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 5 - Clouds Not Orbits!
23 min 19 February 2024Poppi and Ray will need your help, and Albert Einstein’s, to wrap up their second adventure with the MC Detective Agency. As the kids work to save the future, we’ll learn about Electrons, Protons, Neutrons, and cotton candy! The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. It has helped kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 4 - Don’t Try This At Home
22 min 21 January 2024It’s the beginning of File 2: The Case of the Missing (Atomic) Model. In chapter four of our ongoing comic book adaptation, Poppi and Ray travel back in time to meet Albert Einstein and start learning about what an atom truly is. Can you help them along the way? The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. It has helped kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 3 - The Famous Flip Flop
22 min 13 November 2023It’s the exciting conclusion of File 1: The Case of the Deadly Deals! In chapter three of our ongoing comic book adaptation, Poppi and Ray finally meet the Radium girls and expose the truth about their working conditions. Also, Ray reveals his great invention as we learn more about the Periodic Table of Elements! The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. It has helped kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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Bonus: M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 2 - The Periodic Table of Ice Cream
18 min 5 October 2023In chapter two of our audio drama, Poppi and Ray meet Thomas Edison and learn about the Periodic Table. Ray also discovers a love of calcium. Can the kids help the Radium Girls in time? We’ll find next month in the exciting conclusion. The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. It has helped kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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296. G&G 25: What if dogs had opposable thumbs?
22 min 18 September 2023Our adventurers finally discover what’s been sneezing people away, but it’s not what they expected. Can they find the missing people, or will they end up lost, too? Lessons include: We should deal with our problems as soon as we can; in games and life, failure can lead to new adventures! This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh, America’s #1 Meal Kit. Go to hellofresh.com/50whatif and use code 50whatif for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months!
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295. G&G 24: The Riddle Rocks
25 min 11 September 2023Searching for their next clue, Alabama, Malador, and Swansong discover a mysterious cave full of puzzles and traps. Lessons include: Getting things wrong is a great way to learn; sharing our frustrations can make them easier to move past.
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294. G&G 23: What if every time I sneezed, someone disappeared?
24 min 4 September 2023People across Berend are mysteriously disappearing, and Swansong must recruit her old friends to help. We’ll meet Alabama Hera, the Cyclops Gum Slinger (yes, GUM!), and Malodor, the Crab-Shark Smelladin. Can they use the powers of bubble gum and smelly stuff to save the day? Lessons include: There’s usually a way to simplify a game so that everyone can play; de-escalating can help keep yourself and others safe This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Listen to all G&G episodes: 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-279.
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293. Willow asks: What if it rained anvils? (w/ Michael Brown)
20 min 21 August 2023Petey the Pirate starts working for Mr. Smith (Michael Brown), a struggling blacksmith with a tiny anvil. When King Customer asks them to fix his crown, their white lies lead to anvil-related mishaps and a new fashion trend. Lessons include: Exaggeration is often harmless, but little lies can stack up quickly; repairing and reusing possessions keeps them from becoming forever trash! This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh, America’s #1 Meal Kit. Go to: hellofresh.com/50whatif and use code 50whatif for 50% off plus free shipping! Special guest Michael Brown and host Mr. Eric train at “World’s Greatest Improv School.” Learn about their online classes for grownups at: www.wgimprovschool.com
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292. Etta asks: What if you could walk on the underside of bridges?
20 min 14 August 2023Erana Frudge is a beloved bridge made of fudge, and she asks a tiny toll for crossing. But she slowly falls apart when people learn a secret way to cross without paying. Lessons include: We all need to contribute a little to take care of what’s important to our communities; When the feeling of missing others is shared, it becomes normal and healthy communal behavior.
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291. Ezra asks: What if a Starbucks opened next to the Cthoffee Shop? (w/ Ezra & Moe Poplar)
21 min 7 August 2023It’s Cthunkle’s biggest little rival yet, Farluck the Bunny! Has the squidopus grown enough to make up with his old friend, or will this be the end of the Cthoffee Shop?! Lessons include: It’s never too late to start practicing kindness; Seeking amends is a healthier practice than seeking revenge. This episode features Ezra and Moe Poplar, co-creators of the BunnAmigos podcast. Get caught up on this travel & stories podcast for kids, before their new season starts in September: ashyfeet.com/bunnamigos-3
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290. Eleanor & Luna ask: What if everyone dressed in only candy?
23 min 24 July 2023Santaphants gives the elves an early Neighbor Day gift, and they all end up stuck together! Can Whitlynn the Reindeer save the day, or will she need help from Whodolph and Fred? Lessons include: We can offer to help a neighbor who is struggling, but if we insist on helping, it can make them feel belittled; We don’t need to wait for a holiday to celebrate and support each other. This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh, America’s #1 Meal Kit. Visit hellofresh.com/whatif50 and use the code whatif50 to get 50% off plus free shipping! This episode is part of Kid Listen’s Disability Pride Month celebration. Follow this link for Episodes and Resources: medium.com/kidslisten/kids-podcast-episodes-and-resources-for-disability-pride-month-c9ac3a1f9e0c
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289. Elliot asks: What if you rode a rocket ship to the moon and crashed into a wizard?
20 min 17 July 2023Abacus P. Grumbler gets fired, and he’s feeling low. He’s got to work on his relationship with food. Fortunately, Hungry Bungry is there to teach him how to Bunger His Hunger! Lessons include: Mindful eating will help us enjoy our food and listen to our bodies; positive self-talk is important in building confidence (and overcoming food guilt).
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288. Sal asks: What If What If World came inside my bedroom?
17 min 10 July 2023Imagine adventuring with Fred the Dog without ever getting out of bed! Mr. Eric and Whendiana Joan will come along for the ride on a bicycle made for two (sometimes three). Lessons include: The world can be unfair, but we can still choose to be fair to each other; changing your past would change who you are and could alter many other lives! Thank you to our sponsor Kids’ Chemical Solutions and their chemistry comic book series filled with colorful characters and exciting storylines. Order now at www.kidschemicalsolutions.com
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287. CJ asks: What if everything that rhymed was true? (Kids Listen Summer Sampler 2023)
50 min 19 June 2023Q-Rex is too nervous to admit that he doesn’t know how to swim, but maybe he can rhyme around it! This episode is part of the Kids Listen Summer Sampler 2023. Stay tuned to hear great mini-episodes from What If World and nine other great podcasts for kids. Lessons include: There are no shortcuts to learning a new skill; practice can be fun even when you fail. Thank you to our sponsor, Kids’ Chemical Solutions, and their chemistry comic book series filled with colorful characters and exciting storylines. Order now at www.kidschemicalsolutions.com Learn more about Kids Listen at https://www.kidslisten.org/ Girl Tales: http://www.girltalespodcast.com Book Club for Kids: http://www.bookclubforkids.org Like You: http://www.likeyoupodcast.com Power Dog Adventures: https://www.powerdogadventures.com/ Unspookable: http://www.soundsingtonmedia.com Stoopkid Stories: https://stoopkidstories.com/ Peace Out: http://www.peaceoutpodcast.com Dorktales Storytime Podcast: http://dorktalesstorytime.com Fina Mendoza Mysteries: http://finamendozamysteries.com Kids Listen audio transitions by Dan Saks of http://www.noodleloafshow.com KL Summer Sampler 2023 produced by Lynn Hickernell of http://goodwordspodcast.com
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286. Maksim asks: What if trains were alive? (ZZZizitation)
15 min 12 June 2023In this courage meditation, Zizi rides the Dream Engine, passing by her anxieties about grades, embarrassment, and the environment, then letting them go on her way to sleep. Lessons include: Self-care makes it easier and more rewarding to care for others; other people’s judgment cannot change our inherent worth; our mistakes help us grow when we acknowledge them.
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285. Sonny asks: What if snakes and wizards were friends?
23 min 5 June 2023Abacus’s new snake friend teaches him how to be more decisive. But can Abacus teach the snake the power of doubt? Lessons: Finding joy can take a lot of trial and error; practice being decisive when the stakes are low; it's healthy to examine and share your doubts, especially before a big decision
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284. Zila asks: What if your dance teacher was a dog?
21 min 22 May 2023JFKat wants to take a Yoga class but ends up in a dance class taught by Fred the Dog. Can he overcome his embarrassment and learn to love dancing? Lessons include: As a wise woman named Amy Poehler once said, “If you can dance and be free and not embarrassed, you can rule the world.”; Embarrassment fades quickly when we learn to embrace our individuality and mistakes.
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283. Sazzy asks: What if kittens played the glockenspiel? (Lost Lynn Part 2)
24 min 15 May 2023When super fans Mamma Jamma and Glockenspiel meet Miss Lynn, their favorite musical artist, work slows to a halt at the Bakeroofactory. And strange things happen each time they play her songs… Lessons include: Helping others sometimes means letting them go their own way; what seems commonplace to you may seem extraordinary to others, and vice versa! Miss Lynn has three live concerts coming up: Miss Lynn on WDVX Kidstuff, Listen on their website at https://wdvx.com/listen/ Miss Lynn at the Children's Festival of Reading, Sat, May 20 (Exact times TBA) World's Fair Park, World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916 Knoxville Public Library's Children's Festival of Reading! Miss Lynn will be in the music tent. Miss Lynn at the Chapin Memorial Library, Wed, Jun 21 @ 2:30 PM Chapin Memorial Library, 400 - 14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Sing, dance, and laugh when Miss Lynn returns to the Chapin Library in Myrtle Beach, SC! For ages 3-10.
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282. Stump Miss Lynn! (Lost Lynn Part 1)
19 min 8 May 2023Miss Lynn gets trapped in What If World and has to answer Cthunkles’ trivia questions to escape. Of course, being Cthunkle, some questions are nearly impossible to answer! Lessons include: Good trivia should feel like a challenge but not an impossible one; we all feel left out sometimes and sharing those feelings can help us move on or get involved. Miss Lynn has three live concerts coming up: Miss Lynn on WDVX Kidstuff, Sat, May 13 @ 10:00 AM (EDT, UTC-04) Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 Miss Lynn on WDVX Kidstuff! See her perform live at the Knoxville Visitor Center or listen on the radio at https://wdvx.com/listen/ Miss Lynn at the Children's Festival of Reading, Sat, May 20 (Exact times TBA) World's Fair Park, World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916 Knoxville Public Library's Children's Festival of Reading! Miss Lynn will be in the music tent. Miss Lynn at the Chapin Memorial Library, Wed, Jun 21 @ 2:30 PM Chapin Memorial Library, 400 - 14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Sing, dance, and laugh when Miss Lynn returns to the Chapin Library in Myrtle Beach, SC! For ages 3-10.
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281. Levi asks: What if stovepipe hats had stoves on top?
21 min 24 April 2023Can the wizard, Professor Abacus P. Grumbler, really go a whole day without using magic? Maybe, if he goes shopping at the Monster Market! Lessons include: You can always find a way to help, though it might involve stepping outside of your comfort zone; when a resource is scarce, we’ve got to do our best to share it. Please take our short survey to help the show and earn a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card: surveymonkey.com/r/whatifworld
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280. Elsa asks: What if it got so cold that everything grew fur?
22 min 17 April 2023Pixicato is bored of studying magic, so she takes a break with her friend Snurtle, the snow turtle. But when they get trapped in a Minotaur’s Labyrinth, will her magic be enough to save them? Lessons include: Every new skill you practice can help you find your path; as Pablo Picasso once said, you must “learn the rules like a pro so that you can break them like an artist.” Please take our short survey to help the show and earn a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card: surveymonkey.com/r/whatifworld
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279. Desmond asks: What if a cat and a dog started a cooking show?
20 min 10 April 2023Welcome to another episode of inFredible! This time, Fred joins JFKat to cook all your favorite foods that start with P! Unless, of course, they come alive… Lessons include: Taking a break from plans and worries may help you discover a solution; sharing a meal with loved ones is a great way to reconnect Please take our short survey to help the show and earn a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card: surveymonkey.com/r/whatifworld
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278. The Way Home (Guilds & Goblins #22)
22 min 27 March 2023Zach and Zizi finally find the portal home, but first, they have to get passed the Underlows. Can Scully and Cthunkle arrive in time to help? Lessons include: grownups make mistakes, too; you don’t have to wait until you’re a grownup to try to make a difference. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Listen to all G&G episodes: 176, 181-182, 191-193, 199-199 ½, 214-217, 243-245, 263, 270-271, and 275-278.
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277. Elliot asks: What if poodles sat on noodles and flies sat on pies? (G&G 21)
20 min 20 March 2023After a What-If Question mishap, Zach and Zizi decide to take matters into their own hands and save themselves from the world of Guilds & Goblins. Lessons include: The difference between confidence and entitlement is how we face failure; caution can keep us safe, but we must leave the house to live our lives. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214, 215, 216, 217, 243, 244, 245, 263, 270, 271, 275, and 276.
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276. Carly asks: What if rabbits flew in the sky with rattlesnakes? (G&G 20)
25 min 13 March 2023Lowlandra is searching for Skullen Bones, Zachimedes, and Turtock, when she is set upon by the devious Tattlesnakes. Can she satisfy the secret-spreading snakes in time to save her friends? Lessons include: Sharing truthful news and information is a vital service; rumor and opinion can be harmful if presented as truth. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214, 215, 216, 217, 243, 244, 245, 263, 270, 271, and 275.
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275. Joseph asks: What if you found a red crystal with mysterious powers? (G&G 19)
28 min 6 March 2023Zachimedes, Turtock, and Skullen Bones are on the search for Lowlandra, when they find a mysterious crystal that could be a major threat to the land of Berend. Their journey leads them to a mystical volcano and some incredible discoveries. Lessons include: Using force can make problems worse; Powerful tools need to be handled with care.
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274. Adella asks: What if Fred went to Iceland and his tongue kept getting stuck on the ice?
21 min 20 February 2023Fred the Dog is on a mission to find everyone who got lost on What Is World after the Time Vortex. Can he learn to accept the help he needs, or will he just keep licking ice and getting stuck? Lessons include: it’s okay to accept help; kids are not responsible for their grownups’ feelings
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273. David asks: What if Candy the Kid and his Butterscotch Boots were trapped on Mars?
21 min 13 February 2023When Candy the Kid’s parents ask him to stop his wandering ways and work for them, he runs away, but he ends up trapped on Mars! Lessons include: It can be hard to say how we feel, but your loved ones will always listen; connection and curiosity guide us through conflict better than isolation and punishment. This episode refers to the Time Vortex, a strange phenomenon that displaced many characters in What If World. You can listen to this story as a stand alone, but to hear more about the Time Vortex, you can listen to episodes 267, 268, and 272 first.
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272. Peter asks: What if grownups wore diapers and kids wore underwear? (w/ Mick Sullivan)
27 min 6 February 2023Mick Sullivan visits What If World—or should we say, Cthunkle Land? Can Mick endure the many strange rides of the cephalopod-themed amusement park, all while wearing a diaper… Lessons include: Originality isn’t about doing something entirely new, it’s about working your own passion and identity into the things you create. This week, we’re celebrating I See Lincoln's Underpants, a wonderfully fun and informative history book from Mick Sullivan, host of the acclaimed history podcast The Past and the Curious. Learn about some of history's most intriguing figures, and how underpants played a role in their stories. Buy it on Amazon today!
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271. Alex & Anastasia ask: What if Cthunkle had an identity crisis? (G&G 18)
29 min 23 January 2023Swansong, Lowlandra, and Sir Loth of Hoth take on the Dessert Desert and the Cinnamon Citadel on their journey to save Zach, Zizi, and Scully the Squid. Lessons include: Grownups can’t protect their kids from everything; creative problem solving is always preferable to using force. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214, 215, 216, 217, 243, 244, 245, 263 & 270.
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270. Porter asks: What if you got trapped in Guilds & Goblins? (G&G 17)
29 min 16 January 2023Poppa Loo, Mamma Jamma, and Lola Rabbit are on a mission to save their friends and family from a strange game with unfamiliar rules. Can they learn to work together? Lessons include: When playing a new game, try to respect the tone and learn the rules; violence makes more problems than it solves.
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269. Cal asks: What if all the dragons, dinosaurs, spiders and snakes had a big party? (w/ Miss Karen)
20 min 9 January 2023After the Time Vortex, everything was supposed to go back to normal. Or maybe all the monsters were supposed to end up having a party at Mr. Eric and Miss Karen’s house… Lessons include: Having guests and being a guest can both be challenging; checking in and sharing feelings is especially important when our routine is disrupted
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268. Vivian asks: What if Fred rode a unicorn across the world? (Time Vortex Part 2)
20 min 26 December 2022Fred needs to save the world (from his own actions), but Dracomax has lost his magic! Stay tuned for a surprise ending. We’ll need your What If Questions to find out what happens next. Lessons include: Love, safety, and quality time together are priceless gifts; Daydreaming can lead to creative solutions and original ideas!
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Arabella asks: What if Fred was in charge? (Time Vortex Part 1)
18 min 19 December 2022Mr. Eric has left from at home for the holidays (with Ginger and a sitter and a bunch of treats). What choice does Fred have but to create a Time Vortex that swallows up all of What If World? Lessons include: Give you pets some extra love on the holidays, as it can be a really tough time for them; Love doesn’t go away when we can’t see each other.
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Theo asks: What if Cthunkle covered the town in ice cream? (Meditation)
17 min 12 December 2022Our Freditation was such a hit that we're back this week with a Squiditation led by Cthunkle. We're focusing on gratitude over the holidays... and we will be grateful if we don't all get frozen under Cthunkle's ice cream avalanche! Lessons include: gratitude, mindfulness, body positivity, owning mistakes, forgiveness, appreciation for astronomy!
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Cecilia asks: What if cats could knit socks?
23 min 5 December 2022When Heyna the Hyena tries out to play Pawccer in the Whirling Cup, all the dog and cat players can’t figure out what team to put her on. Will she get to play, or will she use her magical knitting powers to sabotage her favorite game? Lessons include: We can all grow through inclusivity; Attacking others in anger will never help matters, no matter how justified your anger may be.
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Margot asks: What if Davey Jones’s Locker held a parrot? (w/ Eddie Gamarra)
26 min 28 November 2022Eddie joins us as Davey Jones, the Sea Monkey King of the Pirates. He and Petey are on a journey to find Petey’s long lost brother, Jack Parrot. They’ll encounter Scalebeard as well as a dragon’s hoard of magic lunchboxes. Lessons include: There is enough for everyone if we all work to share it; we all need quality time together, as well as quality time alone! Eddie Gamarra is the executive producer of the new Netflix film, Wendell & Wild! It’s a beautiful, funny, weird, heartfelt, and sometimes scary stop-motion film. Eddie has been involved in a number of Middle-School aged book-adaptations, and the lessons in Wendell & Wild will be best enjoyed and processed by tweens, teens, and adults.
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Teddy asks & answers: What if there was a wizard city? (G&G 16)
24 min 14 November 2022Glurmph the Inventor (played by Teddy) gets a visit from Zachimedes, who is on a quest to find a hidden city. Watch out for magic sheep, giant dragonflies, and unpredictable inventions on this new G&G adventure. Lessons include: Sharing knowledge can help us discover new ideas; anyone who can imagine can be an inventor. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters (and guests) play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help us tell the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our introductory rules and our character sheet. Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214, 215, 216, 217, 243, 244, & 245.
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Olivia asks: What if princesses slept in the air? (Meditation)
21 min 7 November 2022What a joyous day! Fred the Dog has had puppies… don’t ask us how. Fred guides us through a relaxing Freditation, meant to help us (and his flying puppies) get to sleep or take on the rest of the day from a more mindful place. Lessons include: Body Awareness, Body Positivity, Relaxation, Mindfulness
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Lydia asks & answers: What if you had to drive to Hallowfornia?
17 min 31 October 2022Shoebert the Tree needs help getting to Karate class, but she gets distracted by a big Halloween party. Can Fred the Dog, Fair Elise, and Sprite Alright help her when none of them have their flying powers? Lessons include: Quitting after a bad day can be tempting, but reassessing after a good day can help you figure out how you really feel. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get your first month of ANY crate line FREE at kiwico.com/WHATIF.
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Adrian asks: What if someone had every superhero power?
23 min 17 October 2022The Mazked Azenger arrives, and she’s ready to solve all of What If World’s problems in a flash… but why does it seem like What If World is having more problems than usual? Lessons include: Solving small problems is important, even if it’s not always exciting; If we learn to empower each other, nobody needs to feel powerless.
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Elliana asks: What if bananas take over the world? (w/ Elise Parisian)
26 min 10 October 2022Ghostly bananas are littered across What If World, and no one can get anywhere without slipping over and over and over! Our guest, Elise Parisian, plays paranormal detective Incognita, and must help Fair Elise solve the mystery… Lessons include: Experts can help us with their specialized knowledge and understanding; we can’t all enjoy the same foods, but we won’t know until we try them! Elise Parisian is an artist, therapist, and host of Unspookable. Unspookable is a family friendly look at the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories, myths and urban legends. Each week host Elise Parisian digs into the history, brain science, and power dynamics behind such topics as Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie, and Ouija Boards to find the stories behind the scares. (Recommended for ages 8+) Unspookable is
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157. Bruno asks: What if dinosaurs were alive today?
18 min 30 January 2023The episode is a fun story-telling activity, and there’s even a What If Story tossed in as a demonstration. Lessons include: we are all capable of telling each other fun stories; even the greatest treasure in the world can’t replace all of life’s simple joys. If you want some questions to use as story prompts, try our What If Question Generator! This episode first aired March 23rd, 2020.
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146. Eddie asks: What if you could get your wants before your needs? (w/ Craig Martinston)
21 min 2 January 2023“With your powers combined… with TIGERS!!!” Craig Martinson, creator of the What If World theme, is our special guest this week, and helps us introduce the Tigermon Universe ;) Lesson: All the awesome adventures in the world won’t be very enjoyable if your basic needs aren’t met; creativity is something we can all enjoy at any age! This episode first aired December 16th, 2019.
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Silas asks: What if people sneezed pickles?
17 min 21 November 2022Alabaster Zero has his very first day off. Can he solve the mystery of R&R? Lessons: We all need a balance of work and leisure in our lives; Try not to confuse EASY with FUN, there are many different ways to enjoy your free time, and variety is important! This episode first aired May 5th, 2018.
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Dacey asks: What if cats lived in outer space
22 min 24 October 2022Mike Rylander joins us, playing a whole slew of characters in a space odyssey you won’t soon forget… and keep an eye out for FREDZORB THE DESTROYER. Lessons: All people deserve to be treated equally; dogs and cats CAN get along ;) This episode first aired October 14th, 2019. Find out more about our special guest, Mike Rylander, actor, improviser, narrator, and dad: mikerylander.com
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124. Jack asks: What if all of What If World had identical twins?
17 min 1 May 2023When Fred catches a “glowed” (think an especially shiny cold), he starts duplicating everyone in What If World with his magical sneezes! Lessons include: helping others out can leave them with more time and energy to play with you; taking advantage of others' care is not very caring This episode originally aired on May 20th, 2019. Please take our short survey to help the show and earn a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card: surveymonkey.com/r/whatifworld
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122. Winnie asks: What if board games could play themselves?
21 min 27 February 2023Winnie Winnie Worm Worm and Leo Riggelo go all the way to Lost Wegas in search of a place where they can play games without being judged. Lessons include: toys and games don’t have to be designated for girls and boys; playing with new and different kids is an enriching experience for you and for them This episode originally aired May 6th, 2019.
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Bonus: M.C. Detective Agency - Chapter 1 - You Can Fondue It!
19 min 7 September 2023Mr. Eric has been hard at work adapting a comic book for kids into an audio drama! Join Poppi and Ray as they learn about chemistry and travel through time to help solve a molecular mystery. The M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series written by Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., as part of Kids Chemical Solutions. It has helped kids get an early introduction to chemistry and master material taught at the college level. The four-part comic book series, along with activity packets and sample lesson plans, are
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97. The Presidential Debate! (Remastered)
18 min 28 August 2023The final 6 presidential candidates will have to answer your questions if they want to get the job! Unfortunately, Mr. Eric’s never run a debate before… how bad could it be? Lessons include: Whether you’re a president, or a tiny talking mouse, your ideas and efforts can make a big difference; Everyone needs help sometimes, and leaders need the most help! This episode originally aired 10/15/2018.
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81. Olivia asks: What if Alabaster Zero got sent to What Is World?
22 min 29 May 2023When a stray spell from a frustrated fairy flings Alabaster into the real world, he’ll have to finally take responsibility for his own actions! Will he learn to take his job seriously, or will he be stuck at Mr. Eric’s house forever? Lessons include: thinking you’re good at something isn’t enough, you have to keep working hard in order to improve; when your goofy antics bother your friends, it’s time to give them a rest This episode originally aired June 18th, 2018.
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62. Benjamin asks: What if paper airplanes stayed in the air forever?
19 min 26 June 2023The Observatorium gets a new student, Parsha Parchment-Paper, from the esteemed school of Wentbridge! She’s unhappy with her new, underfunded school and lets Abacus know it. Will the wizard’s paper airplane lesson win her over, or will it nearly destroy the school… again… Lessons include: you can only make new friends if you give them a chance, and where you’re from doesn’t make you better or worse than anyone else. This episode first aired on May 5th, 2018.
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44. Tallulah asks: What if cats could turn into vampires?
20 min 3 April 2023Have you ever heard the tale of the “Guy Who Cried Vampire”? Well, neither has hard-nosed detective Alabaster Zero. Can he and Fair Elise get to the bottom of this vampire mystery? And what's the deal with that cat? Lessons include: a dream come true may not be all you imagined, and your brain is better at solving mysteries than your gut. This remastered episode originally aired on August 28th, 2017.
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12. Chloe asks: What if there was a neverending bowl of ice cream? (Remastered)
23 min 31 July 2023Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Like too much ice cream, too many wizards, or too many time-traveling robots? Let’s find out together and enjoy greatly improved audio quality on this remastered episode. Lessons include: Talking about our mistakes can help prevent even bigger complications; everyone can learn if they take the time to listen. This episode originally aired on December 12th, 2016.
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7. Kylie asks: What if cats ruled the world? (Remastered)
18 min 25 September 2023Can you believe JFKat, Fred the Dog, and Mr. Mouser were all introduced in the same story? Find out what happens when Jojo Fluffy Kat gets put in charge. Now, with improved audio quality! Lessons include: If we want to make the world a better place, we’ve got to make it better for everyone! This episode originally aired November 7th, 2016. It has been rebalanced and edited to improve sound quality.
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Stump Mr. Eric #6: Boston Cream Pirate
36 min 3 July 2023Petey the Pirate, Randall Radbot, and Cthunkle help Miss Lynn and Mr. Eric gets stumped over and over, thanks to your great questions. Part trivia podcast, part interview show, Stump Mr. Eric lets you ask us all kinds of questions. Tell us some trivia you know, or ask a question for Mr. Eric, Miss Lynn, or a What If World character of your choice. We try something new every month, so give us a challenge for one of our segments. Speaking in rhymes or questions? Improv games? Riddles? You name it, and (with any luck) we'll try it! We need your questions! With your grownup's permission, supporters can send Stumper questions and ideas to whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com. Use the word "Stump" or "Stumper" in the subject line, please. Make sure to share the answers, too, so we can all learn together. And as always, let's keep it kind!
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258. Griffin asks: What if a mouse ate a very very very spicy donut? (Story Search Part 2)
24 min 3 October 2022The storybooks are missing, but JFKat and Poppa Loo still have their stories to tell. Can they bring back imagination, or will they get distracted by pranks? Lessons include: Think carefully before playing tricks on your friends; even grownups having trouble communicating with each other sometimes, but patience and understanding goes a long way.
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Madi asks: What if we didn’t have any good storybooks? (Story Search Part 1)
21 min 26 September 2022The Jammaloo family wants to play G&G, but somebody has laminated all of their storybooks shut and they can’t come up with any adventure ideas! Can they figure out what happened to the books or come up with new stories themselves? Lessons include: There is more to discover than we’ll ever have time to learn; even without books and screens, we can still tell stories together. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com.
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Isadora asks: What if stores could get up and walk around? (w/ Kevin Swanstrom)
25 min 12 September 2022Our guest, actor, writer, and improviser Kevin Swanstrom helps Mr. Eric tell a totally improvised story. Will Buckaroo’s Everything Store have a successful first day, or will they have to literally chase down customers on their extra long legs? Lessons include: If you only ever give things away, you’ll have nothing left before you know it! A good helper knows they can’t do it all alone. Grownups, you can check out our guest Kevin Swanstrom on IMDB to see what he’s been up to.
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Kate asks: What if it rained music and butterflies?
20 min 5 September 2022Scully the Squid and Rola Rabbit get invited to a Back-to-School Dance! Can an underwater creature enjoy a land-lubber dance? Maybe if DJ Abacus picks out the right tunes… Lessons include: Dances and loud music can make some people uncomfortable; being accommodating means paying attention to other people’s needs. This episode is brought to you by Caraway. They design non-toxic ceramic-coated home goods that have raised the standards of what you cook and bake with. Discover Caraway cookware and bakeware. Visit Carawayhome.com/WHATIF or use the code WHATIF at checkout for 10% off.
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Rose asks: What if Mr. Eric got eaten by a Venus Fly Trap? (w/ Kesler Talbot from "Lost Ollie")
23 min 22 August 2022Our young guest this week is Kesler Talbot, one of the stars of the new Netflix series, Lost Ollie. Can he help Fred narrate this story, or will he have to intervene in order to save Mr. Eric? Lessons include: The less control we have, the more stress we feel; a little treat can help with sudden stress, but we've got to enjoy all things in moderation Missing: one stuffed rabbit named Ollie with a heart of gold and taste for adventure. Lost Ollie finds his way home to Netflix on August 24th. Kesler Talbot is a regular kid just like you who grew up with parents who are actors. He did his first commercial at the age of 4 and has gone on to appear on some popular TV shows that have filmed in his hometown of Vancouver in Canada. He first appeared in a Hallmark Christmas movie at the age of 9 and went on to film Lost Ollie later that year working with puppets, actors, vocal artists and the director of one of his favorite shows, Into the Spiderverse. Now, Kesler is more than a little excited to be making a guest appearance on his favorite podcast, What If World!
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Alex asks: What if a dog tooth became a house?
25 min 15 August 2022Make way for a true Monarch among butterflies as she tries to find a home for her great big family to live in the city. Can Peter the Realtor help? Lessons include: getting older means new freedoms and new responsibilities; growing cities need shared green spaces; frisbee golf is a great alternative to golf if want to play a challenging game at a city park This episode is sponsored by Outschool. Enroll in a fun, flexible learning experience with over 140K online classes and camps for every kid and any interest. Head to outschool.com/whatif and use code whatif to save fifteen dollars on your child’s first class.
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Seif asks: What if cat hairballs turned into lion monsters?
25 min 8 August 2022How does JFKat end up leading a team of giant hairballs to the Little League championships? Presumably, it involves lots of naps… Lessons include: winning without work doesn’t help us grow; healthy competition can teach resilience and cooperation This episode is sponsored in part by Caraway. They design non-toxic ceramic-coated home goods that have raised the standards of what you cook and bake with. Discover Caraway cookware and bakeware. Visit Carawayhome.com/WHATIF or use the code WHATIF at checkout for 10% off.
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Abacus’s Day Off
20 min 25 July 2022With the Observatorium closed for the summer, Abacus wants nothing more than to get out into his garden. Of course, sugar rain, cake clouds, and time traveling heroes aren’t going to make it easy on him. Lessons include: We all need time to tend our own gardens (AKA take care of ourselves); a good friend will respect your boundaries.
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Brie, Kyla, & Hayden ask: What if cats sneezed out bunny rabbits? (w/ Porter Mason)
25 min 18 July 2022JFKat wants to make a comic strip, so naturally he goes to the home of comic artist Porter Mason. Porter is a wonderful artist, improviser, and parent, but will he be able to handle JFKat’s bunny-branded allergies? Lessons include: creativity comes in many forms; group projects take a lot of teamwork and listening (and sometimes a lot of messes). Check out Porter Mason at rooniecomics.com for kid-friendly comic strips and great coloring pages! The Roonie the Rabbit comic is beautiful and hilarious, and is intended to help us focus on handling feelings both big and small.
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Maya asks: What if dogs lived in hairbrush trees?
21 min 11 July 2022Zach and Zizi find a rare hair brush pine, and they set out to find the fabled cloud dogs who are said to live at the top. Will they make it to the top? Can they stay safe climbing one of the tallest trees in What If World? We’ll see! Lessons include: When working toward a goal, it’s okay to reassess as you go. Ask yourself (1.) if it’s important, (2.) if it’s achievable, and (3.) how you feel about it.
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Elijah asks: What if “The Beatles” were actual beetles?
26 min 27 June 2022Pixicato sneaks out to a concert using a newly discovered magic, but then everything starts going wrong. Can she get her magic under control, or will she put her new bug friends in danger? Lessons include: Your grownups always want to hear about your life, mistakes and all; trust can be built (and rebuilt!) as long as both sides put in the work. This episode is sponsored in part by Caraway. They design non-toxic ceramic-coated home goods that have raised the standards of what you cook and bake with. Discover Caraway cookware and bakeware. Visit Carawayhome.com/WHATIF or use the code WHATIF at checkout for 10% off.
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An Interview with Pipey-O
20 min 20 June 2022What happens when your favorite sewer wizard gets his magic wrench wand chewed on by Fred the Dog? Why don’t we ask him! Wizards, pirates, and dragon-turtle-dogs come along for the ride in this story told through your interview questions. Lessons include: it takes time and effort to discover our purpose in life; sometimes we need to give criticism a rest and just be there for our loved ones.
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Elliot asks: What if flowers grew in play-dough?
19 min 13 June 2022Fred the Dog is shooting his new reality show, “inFredible!”, and special guest Chamomile, the famous giant sculptor, is the show’s first guest. Will fanboy Abacus P. Grumbler let her focus on her art, or will his magic make more trouble for everyone? Lessons include: Fighting to stay awake almost always makes for bigger problems down the road; you’ve got to be your own biggest advocate sometimes, or others may not realize they’re ignoring your needs.
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G&G 15: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Space Chicken?
25 min 30 May 2022It’s the final challenge of our latest adventure, and the team must face a magical maze, a giant space chicken, and an uppity cupcake at the same time! Can they save the Big Bad Wolf, or will they be too busy saving themselves? Lessons include: no one else gets to tell you your value; labels of “good” and “bad” can be misleading and harmful, we all have to do our best to make good choices and learn from our mistakes
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Guilds & Goblins 14: What if cupcakes were alive?
25 min 23 May 2022The team finds itself in the clutches of the Big Bad Wolf, but there is more to them than meets the eye. Is the Wolf as bad as the cupcake people say? The team will have to investigate a magical maze in order to find out!Lessons include: Just because someone says or writes something about us, doesn’t make it true; positive self-talk can help us feel better and believe in ourselves.
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Guilds & Goblins 13: What if there was a giant space chicken?
22 min 16 May 2022The G&G crew is back! This time, Mr. Eric is acting as GM and Zizi is playing a new character, Turtock the Turtle Timekeeper! Will our adventurers finally meet the mysterious Underlows? Or will they be distracted by a giant space chicken?
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The Pirate, the Penguin, and the Pickle
23 min 9 May 2022Bob the Pickle Penguin has one every pickle-eating contest What If World has ever had. Can Potty the Pirate defeat the bobbing inflatable pickle-absorbing balloon penguin in a pickle-eating contest? Lessons include: Enjoying what you do is more important than being the best at it; try to pay attention when other people seem frustrated, maybe they need help or are having trouble communicating. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. Our producer, Miss Lynn, has a pair of live concerts coming up: Saturday, May 21st, in Knoxville, TN, and Tuesday, June 7th, in Myrtle Beach, SC. If you can get there, you’re in for a real treat! Here’s Miss Lynn’s show calendar to find out more: https://misslynn.com/calendar
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Ezra asks: What if you took a vacation in a sandcastle with a crab?
26 min 2 May 2022Fred the Dog, JFKat, and Abacus P. Grumbler fly to Why-Why-E to enjoy a vacation. But there own crabbiness gets in the way of them having fun. Lessons include: sometimes we need to endure something unpleasant to get to do something we really enjoy; when we let out our emotions in a healthy way, they’ll eventually pass or change, and that’s okay, too. Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear Miss Lynn’s song, “Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty” from her album “Something New.” This song helped inspire today’s episode. Our family loves Miss Lynn’s music and we hope you enjoy it, too!
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Seth asks: What if there were 54 JFKats?
20 min 18 April 2022Harrigo’s singing gets the attention of some of What If World’s more musical characters, but working (or singing) together in harmony is harder than it looks (or sounds)! Lessons include: Group activities can be fun and inclusive if we’re not always trying to run the show; plastic glitter is a microplastic but there are lots of nature-safe biodegradable glitter options out there.
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Surya asks: What if coffee made you tired instead of awake?
19 min 11 April 2022Professor Xiao, a powerful panda wizard, has come to teach a class on undoing magical mistakes… so of course, a few mistakes have to happen first! Lessons include: not even adults are immune to the effects of peer pressure; people with dietary restrictions appreciate when you are sensitive to their needs This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, high-quality, educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com.
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Anti-Fools’ Ray!
24 min 4 April 2022When Alabaster Zero and all of What If World get struck by the Anti-Fool’s Ray, things start to get very… normal… It might be the detectives only chance to accomplish an otherwise impossible mission. Lessons include: families take many shapes, but should always include people who love, value, and respect you; we cannot force other people to change, but that does not mean they get to treat us poorly!
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Malcolm asks: What if my cat, Dr. Jack Murphy PhD, had to tell the story?
18 min 21 March 2022Mr. Eric succumbs to Ghostcatsination! Fortunately, Jojo Fluffy Cat, Fred the Dog, and Dr. Jack Murphy PhD, cat therapist, are there to help! Lessons include: Taking a break from screens and devices is important for kids and grown-ups alike; we all need to accept help from our friends and family sometimes.
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Caler asks: What if Cthunkle teamed up with a psychic cobra?
25 min 14 March 2022When Cthunkle and Fred are searching for the perfect Ain’t Bad Tricks Day gift, magical snakes start appearing and making it much more difficult. Lessons include: Gifts should reflect your friend’s interests and passions, not just your own; give gifts for the joy of it, not to get something in return This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com.
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Parker asks: What if you got captured by Ninja Trolls?
22 min 7 March 2022It’s the 605th annual Troll Roll Troll Bowl, and non-trolls are being allowed to play for the first time! And by allowed, we mean forced… Lessons include: With a little creativity, we can modify a game or sport so that all our friends are able to play safe and have fun.
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Jackson asks: What if Mr. Eric interviewed Harrigo the Tree?
20 min 21 February 2022This interview has everything: a Grandma full of caramel, a litigious spider, a ska band made of wind, and the chocolate-loving tree who brings them all together. Lessons include: The forest, and all communities, are happiest and healthiest when we all look out for each other.
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Sanaya asks: What if Fred the Dog fell in love?
25 min 14 February 2022Fred the Dog has his very first crush, but he’s got a lot to learn about how to express his feelings. Can Fair Elise, JFKat, and Cleocatra help him find his way? Lessons include: Even friends and family need space some time; if someone wants to be left alone, we should respect their wishes; sometimes our feelings can be much louder than our thoughts, and it’s important to take time to listen to both. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com.
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Amitai asks: What if everything that fell to the ground disappeared?
23 min 7 February 2022Everyone’s stuck inside ever since elephants started falling from the sky. Can Abacus save the day with an online magic class? It could happen! Lessons include: Are emotions can feel like too much, especially when we don’t deal with them one at a time; what seems like magic to us is usually the result of a lot of hard work.
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Austin asks: What if a donut had abs and liked to work out? (Storyport Part 2)
23 min 17 January 2022Fair Elise made a magical spreadsheet to help Fred and Abacus be more organized with her time travel. Unfortunately, it used up the last of her magic, and now they’re trapped in the past. Can Recap help them navigate their way through the flashbacks and back to the present? Lessons include: it’s never too late for the truth; love yourself for who you are, not someone else’s picture of you This full-length, original story, has four short clips from episodes 170, 92, and a patron only episode from January of 2018.
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Maria asks: What if Abacus turned into an abacus? (Storyport Part 1)
21 min 10 January 2022Fred the Dog chooses the wrong wand to chew on, and, long story short, Abacus, Fair Elise, and Fred end up on an adventure into their own pasts! Lessons include: everyone makes mistakes, but lying about them can lead to more mistakes pretty quickly! This full-length, original story, has three short clips from episodes 124, 178, and 208, in case you want to enjoy a few blasts from the past.
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Eleanor & Lily ask: What if we could turn off gravity? (w/ Prabal Saxena)
25 min 3 January 2022We are joined by planetary scientist and NASA astronomer Prabal Saxena, who helps Cthunkle learn about gravity and the amazing James Webb Space Telescope, which launched on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2021. Lessons include: science and discovery can take time, and we can’t let frustration and impatience allow us to make bad decisions; there are many paths to our goals, and some of those paths may lead us in new and exciting directions! You can learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope by visiting jwst.nasa.gov and find out more about our amazing guest, Prabal Saxena, at prabalsaxena.com. You can watch the launch video right here.
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Sully asks: What if everything started turning into LEGO? (Dracoverse Part 2)
21 min 20 December 2021Last week, Randall Radbot jumped into the Dracoverse, an alternate universe he’d accidentally imagined where dragons rule the world. Can he help Mamma Jamma, Poppa Moo, Abacus, and Dracomax, or will he get stuck inside his own imagination?! Lessons include: We’ve got to own our mistakes and work at being better; it doesn’t take a beard to be magical; there are safe and healthy ways to express our anger. You’ll want to listen to 227. What if robots didn’t exist? (Dracoverse Part 1) to hear the whole story.
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William asks: What if robots didn’t exist? (Dracoverse Part 1)
17 min 13 December 2021Long ago, Randall Radbot got his heart broken when he asked Mamma Jamma out to a school dance. Instead of dealing with his disappointment, Randall imagines an alternate universe where robots don’t exist! Lessons include: We don’t have to share all of our painful memories, but we still have to learn to live with them; having a crush on someone doesn’t mean they will have a crush on you. We’ll learn about Randall’s lost memories, see more of Mr. Beard, and share more adventures in the Dracoverse in the next story!
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Elise asks: What if paper dolls came to life and put on a show?
20 min 29 November 2021JFKat is recovering in the Whospital, and Fred the Dog and Alabaster Zero come for a visit. Will Jojo keep making unsafe choices, or will they find a way to play together responsibly? Lessons include: It’s important to put safety before silly; it can be hard to speak up to our friends, but good friends usually listen
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Una asks: What if Tuna interviewed Mr. Eric?
16 min 22 November 2021Tuna the Invisible Dog asks Mr. Eric some hard hitting questions… about tuna fish. Lessons include: Imagination can feel real and help us experience new things; talking to others also takes a lot of listening.
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Dan asks: What if dragons breathed sprinkles? (w/ Jonathan Cormur)
27 min 15 November 2021All-star adventurer and wizard, Igneous Draconius (played by Jonathan Cormur) is a guest lecturer at the Observatorium this week, and Abacus starts to feel jealous… Lessons include: It’s impossible to have everyone like you, but it’s always possible to find people who like you for just who you are; competition can help us challenge ourselves, and it’s important to remember that failing is part of growing. Our guest, Jonathan Cormur, hosts Dorktales Storytime Podcast. Enjoy his great show for kids! You can also find him on social, @jonincharacter and @dorktalesstorytime on Instagram, and @dorktalesstory on Twitter. Also, here’s a slew of resources related to autism. Plus a book list for grownups is listed on our website. A huge thanks to Jodi Murphy and Kat R for compiling and sharing all of this! Books for kids on autism Geek Club Books, an autism nonprofit to tell the stories of autism through the autistic lens Videos (for both kids and adults) Amazing Things Happen - good video for Neurotypical children to understand autism Same Kind of Different Book - explaining to a child with Autism Float - a Pixar short film about the filmmaker's experience as a father of a son with autism Ask an Autistic - What is Autism - for adults Autism Superpowers - kids sharing their superpower/sparkles Fast Facts About Autism For Kids - kids sharing what autism is like for them Autism Explained for Kids - Sesame Puppet explaining Understanding Autism - explaining ASD for kids in school who have a classmate with ASD
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223. Avi asks: What if a dog was a dentist? (Petey the Pumpkin Part 2)
26 min 1 November 2021In the final installment of our two-part Halloween Special, Mamma Jamma meets her new dentist, and a surprise special guest gets transformed again and again! Lessons include: listening to the dentist can help us avoid uncomfortable future visits; big or small, everyone is afraid of something
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Berkeley asks: What if we are school buses’ breakfast? (Petey the Pumpkin Part 1)
26 min 25 October 2021We’ve got two short, Halloween-themed stories to share today. Will Zach and Zizi face their fears together? Lessons include: Most things aren’t all that scary once we learn more about them; we may never feel fully ready to face our fears, and sometimes we have to take a little leap when it’s safe to do so
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Jonah asks: What if hot sauce turned you into a villain?
21 min 18 October 2021JFKat is having one of those days where you wake up grumpy and then you drink out of a cursed bottle of hot sauce… and it just gets worse from there! Lessons include: It’s important to share your feelings or take a break, but remember that being upset doesn’t give you permission to be cruel.
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Carter asks: What if people lived on the sun?
24 min 4 July 2022Have you ever wanted to know what the “P” in Abacus P. Grumbler stands for? You can finally find out in this week’s magical outer-space adventure! Lessons include: It’s okay for boys to be pretty and like pretty things; your family will always lovely you, even if the shape of that family changes. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. This story originally aired on 7/18/2019.
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Mara asks: What if a dog rode on a rainbow?
21 min 31 January 2022Fred and Pipey-O team up to rebuild the What House… after Fred chewed the whole house to pieces! Will an Internet What House be able to replace the real thing? Lessons include: Video games cannot replace the real world; if your current approach to a project isn’t working, it might be time to try something else. This episode originally aired March 18th, 2019.
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Stacey asks: What if tigers lost their stripes?
25 min 6 June 2022We’re sure as sherbert that you’ll love this fairy-TAIL, involving a tricky fox, a grumpy tiger, and Zach and Zizi trying out a few fledgling spells. Lessons include: Some people are creatures of habits, but that doesn’t mean you have to be; you should always consider safety and feelings before playing tricks on your friends This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. This episode originally aired January 7th of 2019.
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McKenna asks: What if pianos could move and talk?
23 min 19 September 2022Zizi is back to school, and has officially achieved the status of “Big Kid.” Will she and Benocerous be able to handle Music class? Hopefully one of them knows how to speak piano… Lessons include: it may be hard to say what you mean, but keep trying to make your good intentions known; understanding others takes effort, but it can help you make friends and resolve disagreements. This episode originally aired September 17th, 2018.
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Harper asks: What if houses were made of blueberry muffins?
23 min 28 March 2022A story for the origins! Go back to a time before Zack was even born, when Mamma Jamma, Papa Loo, and Zizi rented their first house. Sure the house is a blueberry muffin, but surely no one will try to eat it, right? Lessons include: quick fixes and violent solutions just lead to more problems; real change takes time, effort, and an open mind. This episode originally aired July 30th, 2018. Have you checked out are friends’ podcast, Who Smarted? Their show is fun and educational, teaching history and STEM topics in a way that’s entertaining for kids and grownups alike. They also offer free educational bonus materials for every episode! You can listen to Who Smarted? wherever you enjoy podcasts.
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Paige asks: What if you wished for something and got it right beside you?
17 min 8 November 2021Professor Mooshpants and Dr. Nozetal are some of What If World’s maddest scientists. They also happen to be among the youngest. Can the brilliant baby and precocious puppy work together to free themselves from a maximum security day care? Or will they have to wait until their parents pick them up?! Lessons include: time flies when you stay engaged and challenged; good friends try out each other’s favorite things and grow in the process! This episode was brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. This episode originally aired May 28th, 2018.
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Lyra asks: What if houses could fly?
15 min 24 January 2022Chentle is the fastest of all the cheetahs, but she also wants to be the best climber of all the ninjas and the best flyer of all the rocket ship houses. Can she be the best at everything, and will she be happy when she leaves everyone else in her dust? Lessons include: being more talented or privileged than others doesn’t make you better than them; no individual, no matter how exceptional, is better than a community of well-rounded people. This episode originally aired May 14th, 2018. Remember to send in your interview ideas and questions, and to always get your grown-up's permission before going online. Which character would you like to hear from and what would you like to know? Email whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com with written ideas and audio submissions or call 205.605.WHAT (9428) to leave a voicemail, if you live in the US.
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Joss asks: What if all my friends teamed up to save the sun?
17 min 25 April 2022Our Earth Day special is tying up some loose ends from a story long ago, which ended with the sun getting stolen! Too bad most of What If World is SOLAR POWERED… but maybe that’s the least of their troubles. Can Petrina, Abacus, JFKat, and Mr. Mouser get the sun back from the clutches of the not-so-dreaded Phoenix Taco?! Lessons include: renewable energy is plentiful enough to power a whole world; if you have a caring elder or grandparent in your life, they are deserving of your respect and gratitude. This episode originally aired April 23rd, 2018.
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Liam asks: What if Santa was an elephant?
19 min 27 December 2021Merry Ifmas and Happy Holidays! Scully the Squid has had a tough year and isn’t really sure what he wants, so Santaphant gives him a telepathic toy to help figure it out. Will Scully learn to speak his mind? Lessons include: bottling up your emotions doesn’t gets good results, “boy” and “girl” toys have more in common than you think This episode originally aired December 18th, 2017.
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Mary Had a Little Yes And (Dorktales Storytime #51)
19 min 1 August 2022We're so happy to be bringing you a story that Mr. Eric told along with our friend Jonathan Cormur on his podcast, Dorktales Storytime. Normally, we replay an old favorite once a month, so I hope you all enjoy this rare treat! Dorktales Storytime, hosted by voice actor Jonathan Cormur, is a podcast featuring slightly wacky and very geeky retellings of classic fairy tales with social-emotional lessons and the untold stories about the hidden heroes of history. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. The Story: It’s the perfect day for pure play! Sherlock Nettlesbee, the great deducing squirrel detective, joins Jonathan and Mr. Redge in an afternoon of imagination and good old-fashioned make believe. When their cloud gazing doesn’t cut it, Sherlock declares that “the Improv Game is afoot!” Can the trio find inspiration from Mary and her little lamb, Lula? Yes and…they’re sure to find a whole-lotta playful, floofy fun everywhere they go! PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story is about making time for imaginary play! Improvisation, or improv, is when you make up a story, or a scene, or a little bit of music on the spot. The ‘Yes And’ game is when you listen to another person in your improv scene and agree with what they are saying—that’s the ‘yes’ part—and you use your own ideas to build on their thoughts—that’s the ‘and’ part. It’s entertaining and very fun, plus it also encourages listening skills, collaboration and cooperation. Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-had-a-little-yes-and Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/ CREDITS: Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited by Molly Murphy. Eric O’Keeffe voiced Sherlock Nettlesbee and created the Mary and Lula story with Jonathan Cormur. Jonathan and Mr. Redge were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. And don’t forget to check out the final episode of the Good Words Podcast by our very own, Miss Lynn: goodwordspodcast.libsyn.com What If World is made by Eric and Karen O'Keeffe. A big thanks to our associate producer Miss Lynn. Our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe and our theme song is by Craig Martinson. Advertise on What If World
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Laila asks: What if snakes had feathers and birds had scales? (w/ Karen O'Keeffe)
25 min 6 December 2021Miss Karen (our co-creator) and Mr. Eric team up to tell a story about fashion, acceptance… and dragons? When birds and snakes trade feathers and scales, the now cuddly snakes turn into New What City’s hottest new wardrobe accessory. Can the scaly birds save their feathery friends? Let’s find out! Lessons include: embrace who you are on the inside; fashion trends don’t have to be cruel; try to learn about other people and cultures wherever you go This episode was brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. This episode originally aired May 29th, 2017.
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Pearson asks: What if a ferret ate a cookie in an orchestra?
28 min 29 August 2022Obsidian the Cat and Ferrivarius the Ferret are musicians who can’t get along. Maybe it’s because they both have such villainous voices. Can a shared love of cookies finally get these two rascals to see eye-to-eye? This episode originally aired February 27th, 2017. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities for kids of all ages shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. This episode features Miss Lynn’s song, Gingerbread Mouse, from her album, Still Learning. You can get all of Miss Lynn’s music at misslynn.com.
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Teddy asks: What if robots could turn into dragons? (Remastered)
22 min 28 February 2022Let’s take a trip back in time to the origins of Randall Radbot and Dracomax as we answer the age old question: "What if robots could turn into dragons?" Lessons include: It’s important to ask for help when you need it. This story has been fully remastered, with improved sound quality and effects. The original episode aired October 17th, 2016.
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Frankie asks: What if all houses were stuck together?
18 min 4 October 2021Now that What If World has been tied back together with space vines, it has stopped raining. But don’t worry, Alabaster Zero, Mamma Jamma, and Petey the Pirate are on the case… Well, maybe you should worry a little... Lessons include: Shared green spaces are incredibly important; connection and accommodation can help make us better neighbors
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Amos asks: What if you sang so loud it shattered the world?
19 min 27 September 2021Howvarotti has not had a chance to sing on the show in a loooong time. If all goes well, no one will end up floating around in space looking for help from a magical Fire Snail on Whupiter… Lessons: Unfairness can be hard to see — practice critical thinking and remember that sometimes we may be the ones being unfair; it’s okay if a friend enjoys a gift from you in a way you didn’t intend
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Sloan asks & answers: What if you could watch What If World on TV?
23 min 20 September 2021Tune in to the Tuna-Clock News with hosts Tuna the Invisible Dog and our friend Sloan! With hordes of What-If creatures coming to life, Sloan might have all the news she can handle. Lessons include: Making up stories without enough information can be hurtful to others (and get you in trouble!)
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G&G 12: What if the sun was cold and the rain was hot?
28 min 6 September 2021It’s the finale of our four part Guilds & Goblins adventure. The team is running out of time to find the portal home before the world inside the Trumpet of Travel falls apart. Lessons include: we don’t have to tolerate intolerance; it’s not possible to change everyone’s mind, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying to do what’s right. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help inform the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our Core Rules, and character sheet. Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214, 215, and 216.
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G&G 11: What if rainbows could swim?
23 min 30 August 2021The portal back to their world has become an evasive rainbow that only responds to emotions! Can the team Capture the Rainbow before Fox and Wolf? Lessons include: Our big feelings can have a big impact on the world around us; a good leader is willing to make sacrifices for the good of their people. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help inform the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our Core Rules, and character sheet. Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214, and 215.
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G&G 10: What if pigs made pickles?
20 min 23 August 2021Lowlandra and Zachimedes have been caught by Pickle Pigs and it’s up to Scullen Bones to spring them loose! Lessons include: It can take time to earn the trust of strangers, even when we mean well. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help inform the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our updated Core Rules! Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½, 214
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G&G 9: What if bees could play the guitar?
21 min 16 August 2021Scullen Bones, Lowlandra, and Zachimedes must go inside the Trumpet of Travel to free all the people trapped within. Will they be treated like heroes, or do more challenges lie ahead? Lessons include: wanting to help others is wonderful, but it may not always be as simple as just showing up. This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help inform the story, along with your questions and ideas! Patrons get access to our updated Core Rules! Listen to all previous G&G episodes: 176, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 199, 199 ½
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Everett asks: What if a dog got a Nintendo Switch? (w/ Emmy & Everett)
17 min 2 August 2021Our young guests Emmy and Everett ask What If Questions about two of the most important topics of all: love and video games! Lessons include: loving someone doesn’t give you permission to hug them all the time; talking out your feelings can really help (though it sometimes takes longer than a What-If story). This episode is sponsored in part by the podcast Coin Trick, a stories podcast for kids celebrating Indigenous American culture and featuring the voice talents of Michael Horse and original music by Shelly Morninsong. Head to cointrick.net to learn more and
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Tuviyah asks: What if a mermaid wanted to fly? (w/ Miss Lynn)
25 min 26 July 2021Miss Lynn helps Mr. Eric tell a tall tale, featuring a mermaid inventor, a lonely detective, a dog and a cat on a boat, a colossal whale, and, of course, snake lifeguards! Lessons include: pursuing your goals may help you discover a new dream, as long as you keep an open mind. This episode is sponsored in part by the podcast Coin Trick, a stories podcast for kids celebrating Indigenous American culture and featuring the voice talents of Michael Horse and original music by Shelly Morninsong. Head to cointrick.net to learn more and
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Snail Mail Stories
16 min 12 July 2021Fair Elise and Petey the Press Secretey hold are holding a press conference to answer some of your snail mail questions. Will things devolve into utter chaos as the questions pile up? Almost definitely ;) Lessons include: Thinking of conflict as Good vs. Bad can keep you from understanding both sides; 500 cans is too much tuna...
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Emmie asks: What if a city sank in squid ink? (Cthoffee Shop Part 2)
19 min 5 July 2021Find out the origin story of Scully the Squid and his Uncle Cthunkle, with special appearances by Alabaster Zero and Squiderella! Lessons include: even grownups can have growing up to do; just because a kid gets older, it doesn’t mean they have to give up on all the things they used to enjoy.
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Kellen asks: What if a squid opened a coffee shop? (Cthoffee Shop Part 1)
23 min 28 June 2021When Cthunkle opens a seemingly harmless coffee shop, Alabaster Zero is certain there’s an evil plot behind it. There certainly is more to the story, and we’ll have to dive into Cthunkle’s past to hear the full story. Lessons include: if you think a friend is making strange choices, it may be time to learn more about them; a person has to really want to change for it to ever happen This episode is sponsored by Bobby Wonder, a podcast from an Emmy Award winning team. Join the fun, expand your imagination, and learn how to talk to ducks!
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Mikaela asks: What if you got sucked into a town but there was nobody there?
27 min 14 June 2021Can Fred the Dog find friends happiness in a town without any people? Maybe, if he can find some sticks… Lessons include: happiness doesn’t look the same for every person, and that’s a good thing; it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself, but it can make you feel really good! This episode is sponsored by Bobby Wonder, a podcast from an Emmy Award winning team. Join the fun, expand your imagination, and learn how to talk to ducks!
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Beatrice asks: What if all of What If World had a potluck?
23 min 7 June 2021Petey the Party Planner Pirate puts on a potluck party, and there are a few surprises in store… also, a lot of candy casseroles. Then the world gets taken over, obviously. Lessons include: It’s okay to ask for help sometimes; setting a good example can feel pretty great even if it doesn’t always inspire others to do the same. This episode is sponsored by Bobby Wonder, a podcast for kids from the Emmy Award winning team. Join the fun, expand your imagination, and learn how to talk to ducks! Learn more at gokidgo.com and find Bobby Wonder wherever you listen to podcasts.
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A Dracomax Q&A (on Cool Facts About Animals)
35 min 31 May 2021By popular request, we’re finally bringing you an interview with Dracomax! And it gets better, because this interview was conducted BY KIDS! Specifically, the amazing hosts of Cool Facts About Animals. Lessons include: we all have a little dragon inside us, and it’s important to let it out in safe and constructive ways! Check out the podcast Cool Facts About Animals to enjoy more of their antics and insightful questions. You can even support them on Patreon! This episode is sponsored by Bobby Wonder, a podcast from an Emmy Award winning team. Join the fun, expand your imagination, and learn how to talk to ducks! Visit gokidgo.com
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Anne asks: What if alligators ate crayons? (Whomanji Part 3)
22 min 17 May 2021It’s the final level of Whomanji, the Crayungle! Can the Jammaloo family defeat Piggylily, or will they end up turning into stuffed animals?! That’ll make sense when you listen… probably. Lessons include: We’re meant to learn about our capabilities gradually, so we can use them responsibly
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Dane asks: What if everyone had a superpower? (Whomanji Part 2)
22 min 10 May 2021The Jammaloo Family faces level two of the Whomanji game. Will they get their power-ups and finally have an awesome training montage? Lessons include: even grownups (and older siblings) sometimes need to be reminded of their own lessons; practicing together is a lot more productive than showing off alone.
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Aurora asks: What if you went into the Jumanji video game? (Whomanji Part 1)
22 min 3 May 2021Zizi’s giant butterflies take her family to a mysterious jungle, or are they just inside a video game? Maybe JFKat can help them figure it out… but probably not. Lessons include: just because we’re capable of something, doesn’t mean we’ll be good at it right away; quality time comes from taking in our friends and family, whether or not we’re doing our favorite activity.
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The Case of the Missing What If Characters
25 min 19 April 2021With Fair Elise busy being president, Alabaster Zero is going to need Mr. Eric’s help to solve the latest mystery. Lessons include: admitting you don’t know something can take a lot of bravery; activity can help you feel better, especially after you’ve shared your big feelings.
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Emma asks: What if a cat and a wizard were best friends? (w/ Mary & Tanveer)
18 min 12 April 2021When one best friend wants some space from another, is that okay? San Antonio based comedians Mary Picarazzi and Tanveer Arora will help us figure it out! Lessons include: everyone needs a little space sometimes; it’s great to be encouraging of your friends and their artwork. Mary Picarazzi and Tanveer Arora are late night comedians and friends to Mr. Eric. They have an interview podcast for grownups called Nobody Meet Somebody, where they interview Eric and other great guests. It’s
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Madeline asks: What if fish had legs? (w/ Tumble Science Podcast)
20 min 5 April 2021On our 200th episode, Mr. Eric’s friends Lindsay and Marshall from Tumble get swept away to What If World… again! Can they enjoy living in an air tank while their fish grows legs and tries to take care of them? Lessons include: grownups have it rough sometimes, too; feeling cooped up will make anyone irritable, eventually Find out the real science behind this question on Tumble’s companion episode: What If Fish Had Legs? A huge thanks to Lindsay and Marshall for joining us on this special occasion! Find them at sciencepodcastforkids.com
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G&G #8: Escape from the Cave of Cake!
17 min 22 March 2021Can our adventurers escape from the cake and find the last ingredient for their magic spell? Let’s hope, or this story will be a bummer! Lessons include: hiding from our problems usually makes them worse; other people don’t get to tell us who we’re supposed to be This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help inform the story, along with your questions and ideas! Start at episode 176 for the full story. Patrons get access to our updated Core Rules!
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G&G #7: What if birthdays were every day?
23 min 15 March 2021Lowlandra, Scullen, and Zachimedes hide from their unicar pursuers in a mysterious cave… and predictably, things just keep getting weirder! Lessons include: hiding from our problems usually makes them worse; other people don’t get to tell us who we’re supposed to be This story is part of the Guilds & Goblins miniseries, where What If World characters play an original tabletop RPG for kids and families. The dice rolls are all real and help inform the story, along with your questions and ideas! Start at episode 176 for the full story. Patrons get access to the recently updated Core Rules!
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Sophia asks: What if lions were kings but they acted nicely?
24 min 9 August 2021Let’s learn about Cleocatra’s mysterious past! The young cat is destined to become queen of Ygypt, but the Rhino people are sick of being ruled by cats and lions. Can they learn to live together? Lessons include: Being nice is more than just behaving politely, you have to actually think about other people’s feelings; there is no way we can prepare for every possible emergency, sometimes you have to stay calm and think on your feet. This episode originally aired March 4th, 2019.
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Charlie asks: What if colors picked favorite humans like we pick favorite colors?
21 min 12 October 2021It’s the year 20,018, and Alabaster Infinity has to team up with Dr. Whendiana Joan to find a new galaxy to inhabit. But when their RocCat Ship is set upon by monsters of many colors, can the intrepid crew survive? Lessons include: it’s fun to have favorite things, as long as it doesn’t close you off to new experiences; however strange someone’s culture may seem, they are probably still capable (and deserving) of great kindness. This episode was brought to you by KiwiCo! Enjoy fun, affordable, and educational activities shipped straight to you every month. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code WHATIF at kiwico.com. This episode originally aired October 8th, 2018.
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Grace asks: What if donuts came to life?
18 min 24 May 2021The hardest part of making a donut might be picking out its toppings. Why not let the donut pick for itself? Existential crisis, that’s why ;) Lessons include: You may change your appearance, but people are going to have a hard time liking you until you like yourself; finding your path is difficult for everyone, but it’s okay to accept help along the way. This episode originally aired September 3rd, 2018.
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Portia asks: What if your pets got sent to What If World?
23 min 19 July 2021Lots of characters to meet this week, as Ginger the Loyal and Otis the Aloofest visit What If World and meet Hungry Bungry! Can the misplaced pets get back to What Is World, or will the Oopstone trap them forever?! Lessons include: good rules are made by people who understand their mistakes, and want to keep you from having to repeat them; pollution is a problem we can only solve together! This episode originally aired July 9th, 2018. We are proud to tell you about the new board book, Families Can, by our friend, Dan Saks. Families Can is a rhyming, light-hearted celebration of the wonderful differences that make each family unique. You can help support your local bookstores by getting this great book at noodleloaf.com/whatif
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Jack asks: What if parents went to school and kids went to work? (w/ Rhea Pechter)
18 min 26 April 2021Mr. Eric teams up with Rhea Pechter of Little Stories for Tiny People this week. Fair Elise and Pixacato are fed up with work and school, respectively. Good thing it’s Freaky Friday! Can Fair Elise survive a day in ballet school? Can Pixacato solve the mystery of the missing robot brains? Did Alabaster Zero also get Freaky Friday’d, or does the grizzled cop just really love ballet? Lessons include: both work and school take a special kind of endurance, we should respect each other’s efforts; parents will always look out for you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look out for them, too! This episode originally aired May 5th, 2018.
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Obi asks: What if puppies had laser eyes and could fly?
18 min 29 March 2021Remember when all you wanted was a flying laser puppy and your mom said “You’ll blow our roof off!” Let’s see if the old adage is true. Lessons include: parents may seem unfair, but they’ll do anything to protect us; lasers are better off left to make believe
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Stella asks: What if the Sorting Hat started saying random words instead of houses?
22 min 13 September 2021Long ago in 2001, when Abacus first opened his magical school, many of his students begged to be sorted. But when Abacus conjures a Sorta Hat to do the job, his magic is as unreliable as ever… Lessons include: labeling people is a recipe for cruelty; grownups and professionals have feelings, too. This episode originally aired November 6th, 2017.
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