SparkleCast Podcast

In today's story:

Zippy, the porcupine, has a secret. It's a secret he doesn't want to share. He finally entrusts his secret to his feline friend, Ben Thompson: Zippy is being teased by a badger that lives in the field outside of the junkyard. Ben thinks they should teach that badger a lesson, but Sergeant knows how to discover the true source of the teasing and transform it with understanding and kindness.

This story is the subjec...

Jamie Martin is co-founder and editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time."

In this episode, Jamie, David, and Rebecca use the Martin & Sylvia story "A Map of the Year" to talk about planning, choosing curriculum and finding balance when homeschooling your children.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One w...

In today's story:

It is the first week of school and in Martin and Sylvia's house, that means transforming the dining room table into the homeschool work table. Everybody is excited about new books, new materials and indeed, new subjects to learn. This year, Martin is nervous that he will not learn the same things as his friend Sasha who attends the neighborhood school. Momma and Daddy suggest they make lists of all the things each...

Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Carrie, David and Rebecca talk about common dynamics between siblings, especially when they result in conflict and hard feelings.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we sh...

In today's story:

Sometimes Martin just wants to be alone – and this can be frustrating to Sylvia his younger sister. After Sylvia insists on playing the same games, working on the same projects and talking about the same things, Martin asks Momma for help. Sitting on the couch, Momma tells two stories – one about an older child and one about a younger...

*This story is the subject of our conversation about sibling rivalry with Dr....

This week's SparkleCast features three producers and hosts of popular science podcasts for kids, who joined us from around the country: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of "Tumble," a science podcast for kids; Sanden Totten, a producer and co-host of "Brains On!," a podcast featuring science for kids and curious adults; and Eric Butkus, whose son, Nate, is the host of "The Show About Science" pod...

In today's story:

When Sylvia declares that she knows everything there is to know about her best friend, Sofia, Momma suggest she use the scientific method to test her theory. And what is the scientific method? Momma explains that it involves measuring, collecting data and then studying the data. Sylvia and Sofia then learn the difference between using the scientific method on rocks, plants, animals and then … best friends.

*This s...

Meghan Fitzgerald is co-founder of Tinkergarten. Tinkergarten provides engaging, early-childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all – the outdoors.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story "Winter Wonder," in which Helmut, one of the Goose-eye Wilderness School apprentices, talks about how "wondering" can be an effective teacher in the natural world.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explo...

In today's story:

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

*This story is the subject of our conversation with Meghan Fitzgerald, co-founder of Tinkergar...

Bryn Huntpalmer is the host of the popular audio podcast, "The Birth Hour."

In this episode of SparkleCast, Bryn, David, and Rebecca talk about the new story "New Brother/New Sister" – a story about a boy named Nathan who gets some important advice from a Tulip Tree elf about how to welcome his new sibling.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to...

In today's story:

Little Nathan loves his days with his mother and father. He loves their attention, he loves their snuggles and he loves playing with them ... when they are able to play. When he learns that his parents are going to have another baby, he is initially excited and imagines that he will have a playmate. But then he notices that things are changing in the house - changes that he doesn't like. Luckily Maggie, the Tulip ...

Steve Sheinkin is an award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Steve, David and Rebecca talk about "The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called "FIFTY: The Stars, the States and the Stories"), explore the difference between history and historical fiction, and ask the question, "what is true?"

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in...

In today's story:

Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot's license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women's Air Derby – right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for Standard Oil of Ohio – spending most of her days waiting for the rich and powerful to board her aircraft. This day seems no different, until she learns who her passenger will be: none other than the richest m...

Leo Sofer is an intuitive storyteller and teacher based in Devon, England.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story "Listening to the Story Whispers" and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both how to hear stories, and how to tell our own.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and th...

In today's story:

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

*This story is the subject of our conversation with intuitive storyteller and teacher Leo Sofer, who is based in Devon, England.*

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use ...

Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse "Head of School"!

In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, Rebecca, and David discuss the collection "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas" – the stories-within-the-stories of our other holiday collection, "Martin & Sylvia's Twelve Days of Christmas." Meredith and David talk about the history of the festival and then h...

In today's story:

Georgio Mangiapane wants to make the best Buccelleti in all of New York City. And so, having heard of the magical blueberries of the northeastern coast, he travels to Maine to find the perfect ingredient. But a bear interrupts his dream, and it's not New York that gets to enjoy his incredible pastries, but the families of Tullyport. Thus begins the tastiest of the Tullyport Christmas traditions.

*This story is the...

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

In this episode of SparkleCast, Laura, David, and Rebecca use the By Thistle By Thimble story "Purple" as the focus of a conversation about inspiring service in children and...

In today's story:

Lydia is a wealthy merchant who dyes and sells purple cloth to those who can afford it. She lives a life of luxury but has a single regret - she hasn't heard from her son in years. He turned his back on "serving the rich", and has become a teacher to the poor. When she at last receives a letter telling her where he now lives, she resolves to travel to him - though she doesn't realize how difficult and transformati...