103. What if JFKat had a friend named Purrcy and when he purred everyone fell asleep? (Purrcy: Part 1)
The president has been elected, and it’s time for JFKat to lead the Fur Force… so why’s he dragging his paws?
Lessons include: Figuring out who you are is one of the most exciting parts of life, even if it feels scary sometimes; Super powers might bring short term happiness, but they can’t solve all your problems.
This 1 minute survey gets you a free bonus episode! It’s anonymous and just asks questions about parents. The bonus episode is a fun mad lib story where Fred the Dog is turned into Fred the Cat by Abacus P. Grumbler! One lucky family will also be chosen at random to have their What If question answered. Please email us at whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com after filling out your survey, and we’ll send you back the bonus episode.
Join our Patreon for a better chance of having your question answered! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
Head over to our Imaginarium to get a head start on the holidays! What if World shirts, mugs, totes, and more, made to order and shipped straight to you.
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
102. What if I was a unicorn and Fred the Dog found my fairy garden?
Fred has to figure out the secret to making a dog house fly, or else he’ll be late to his own inauguration! Fortunately a shapeshifting Finn Again and a generous Miracorn are there to help.
Lessons include: It’s important to think hard when making big decisions (and to not let the small decisions slow you down).
What If World will have a LIVE show and workshop at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10 AM – 4 PM at the Los Angeles Central Library. It’s a free event but there is limited space in the storytelling workshops, which will start shortly after the event begins, and end at about noon.
Join Our Patreon to Hear Archived Stories! We can only host 100 episodes on our feed, but your unique Patreon feed lets you access our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
101. What if Cthunkle did his show, “What Is World,” and interviewed Mr. Eric?
Cthunkle hosts this unusual episode. Could this be the end of What If World? Not if the next president and their new cabinet have anything to do with it!
Lessons include: Handling disappointment is a really important skill for kids and grown-ups to practice; it’s important to make your voice heard, even if you don’t get your way.
What If World will have a LIVE show and workshop at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10 AM – 4 PM at the Los Angeles Central Library. It’s a free event but there is limited space in the storytelling workshops, which will start shortly after the event begins, and end at about noon.
Join Our Patreon to Hear Archived Stories! We can only host 100 episodes on our feed, but your unique Patreon feed lets you access our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
100. What if up was down and down was up? (w/Jonathan Messinger)
Mr. Eric is joined by Jonathan Messinger, host of The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian, for What If World’s 100th episode special. Things will get out of this world! At least, they would if only Bee-Bop the Robot can help Chentle Cheetah make a spaceship.
Lessons include: Accepting failure and trying again gets you one step closer to success; even very intelligent people (and robots) can be wrong sometimes.
Head over to our Imaginarium to get a head start on the holidays! What if World shirts, mugs, totes, and more, made to order and shipped straight to you.
Join Our Patreon to Hear Archived Stories! Your unique Patreon feed lets you access our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
54. What if ninjas and pirates starting fighting over which chair they wanted to sit in?
Pirates and ninjas and robots, oh my! Mr. Eric tackles two questions this week, as Ninja Girlden and Petey the Pirate meet for the first time. They’re both so anxious about making a good impression that they end up arguing over a chair! (First aired 11/20/17)
Lessons include: First impressions are tough, but giving someone a second chance is easy; being possessive can get in the way of fun and play
Head over to our Imaginarium to get a head start on the holidays! What if World shirts, mugs, totes, and more, made to order and shipped straight to you.
Join Our Patreon to Hear Archived Stories! We can Your unique Patreon feed gives you access to our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
99. How could a chicken fly in the sky and lift all the stuff that he sees?
It’s the return of Charlie Chicken (episode 43), as our plucky hero sets out to cure his corn cobb papa of the common huitlacoche (whee-tla-KO-cheh). Will Charlie’s neighbors be willing to help?
Lessons include: By helping people outside your inner circle, you can help teach them to do the same; it’s okay to feel frustrated during a disagreement, but lashing out in anger will never change someone’s mind.
Disclaimer: huitlacoche looks yucky to some, but makes for a great vegetarian taco! Mr. Eric apologizes in advance for his mispronunciations. It’s a mouthful both literally and figuratively!
This week’s episode is part of the Kids Listen Halloween Sweeps! If you haven’t heard the wonderful Be Calm on Ahway Island, you can start with their Halloween Special: "Our dragon notices lots of strange monsters and creatures wandering through the streets. Dragon feels a little frightened until the creatures begin to laugh and Dragon realizes it just the kids trick or treating."
Head over to our Imaginarium to get a head start on the holidays! What if World shirts, mugs, totes, and more, made to order and shipped straight to you.
Join Our Patreon to Hear Archived Stories! We can only host 100 episodes on our RSS feed, but your unique Patreon feed gives you access to our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
98. What if unicorns lived in Halloween bushes? (w/Sloan)
Mr. Eric is joined by young listener named Sloan who will help him tell a totally improvised Halloween special! Can Sloan the Little Unicorn find JFKat after he is scared out of their spooky house by an unapologetic Skeleton Ghost?
Lessons include: It’s important to express even the less popular feelings, like guilt and fear; it’s easy to forgive others when you’re able to see from their perspective.
This week’s episode is part of the Kids Listen Halloween Sweeps! Take minute to check out the fun and relaxing April Eight Songs & Stories, the inspiring interview show Good Stuff Kids, and the newest member of the Kids Listen community, This Week in the Multiverse, an original take on science fiction for older kids.
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.
97. What if What if World had a presidential debate?
The final 6 candidates for president 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 of all!
The final 6 candidates for president 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 of all!
Join Our Patreon to Hear Archived Stories! We can only host 100 episodes on our RSS feed, but your unique Patreon feed gives you access to our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the pod from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
Who should be President of What If World? Abacus, Fred, JFKat, Whendiana, Mr. Mouser, or Alabaster? Write your vote as part of your review, or post on Facebook, Twitter, or our private group, The Conversatorium. Make your voice heard and help shape What If World!
96. What if colors made a civilization and a space monster ate a spaceship?
It’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.
It’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.
Join our Patreon for Easy Access to Archived Stories! Your unique Patreon feed gives you access to our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the pod from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
Who should be President of What If World? Write us on Facebook, Twitter, or join our private group, The Conversatorium, to keep the discussion just to fellow fans. You could vote for Marsha Mallow, Whendiana Joan, Fred the Maybe-Zombie Dog, JFKat (again), or any character you like!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. This episode’s art is by d34thmonk3y.
3. What if I lived in a spooky, scary house? (Remastered)
In this slightly scary episode, Mamma Jamma & Poppa Loo join Mr. Eric in the studio to talk about their house hunt. Can Zizi deal handle their new spooky house? Does Zach sleep through the entire episode? (spoiler: yyyup)
Lessons include: in a dangerous or scary place, you should always stick together; try to figure out as much as you can about a situation before jumping to wild conclusions.
In this slightly scary episode, Mamma Jamma & Poppa Loo join Mr. Eric in the studio to talk about their house hunt. Can Zizi deal handle their new spooky house? Does Zach sleep through the entire episode? (spoiler: yyyup)
Lessons include: in a dangerous or scary place, you should always stick together; try to figure out as much as you can about a situation before jumping to wild conclusions.
Join our Patreon for Easy Access to Archived Stories! Your unique Patreon feed gives you access to our entire backlog! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the pod from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
95. What if JFKat told the story and Abacus turned everyone into police officers?
When 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 talking rainbow can help him take the hint.
Lessons include: absolute power actually isn’t any fun; sometimes, being responsible means admitting that you need help
Who should be President of What If World? Write us on Facebook, Twitter, or join our private group, The Conversatorium, to keep the discussion just to fellow fans. You could vote for Marsha Mallow, Whendiana Joan, Fred the Maybe-Zombie Dog, JFKat (again), or any character you like!
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
When 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 talking rainbow can help him take the hint.
Lessons include: absolute power actually isn’t any fun; sometimes, being responsible means admitting that you need help
Who should be President of What If World? Write us on Facebook, Twitter, or join our private group, The Conversatorium, to keep the discussion just to fellow fans. You could vote for Marsha Mallow, Whendiana Joan, Fred the Maybe-Zombie Dog, JFKat (again), or any character you like!
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
94. What if pianos could talk and stairs turned into houses?
Zizi is back to school this week, 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 can difficult to say what you mean, but keep trying to make your good intentions known; understanding others is hard work, but it can help you make friends and resolve disagreements.
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
93. What if blankets could play and the whole town was a transformer? (w/ Eric Molinsky)
This week, Mr. Eric is joined by Eric Molinsky of Imaginary Worlds, a podcast for adults and teens about all things fantasy and sci-fi. They’ll share the tale of Zach’s last adventure with his beloved blanket, Fluffy.
Lessons include: toys are meant to be played with, even if they don’t last forever; saying goodbye to someone doesn’t mean forgetting them.
Hear Eric & Eric's Outtakes when you join Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
92. What if donuts came to life and went on a journey to find toppings?
The 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.
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
91. An interview with Fred the dog!
Fred is a real life pug mix with an extra long tongue. He’s also leader of the Fur Force and What If World’s most popular character. Let’s find out what makes this dog lick ー err, tick!
Lessons include: Family is family, even if they’re not related to you; rescuing an animal is a big responsibility, but it doesn’t cost a thing to be kind to other creatures
Fred is a real life pug mix with an extra long tongue. He’s also leader of the Fur Force and What If World’s most popular character. Let’s find out what makes this dog lick ー err, tick!
Lessons include: Family is family, even if they’re not related to you; rescuing an animal is a big responsibility, but it doesn’t cost a thing to be kind to other creatures
Mr. Eric has a chance to appear on a panel at SXSW! Please signup here to vote for us. If they get enough votes, he’ll be teaming up with the amazing shows Wow in the World, Brains On!, and Ear Snacks to spread the message of quality podcasting for children. Thanks a million!
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
90. What if swim class was in the trees and princesses rescued knights?
Larra 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: every person is deserving of respect; admit when you need help and be grateful when you receive it.
Larra 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: every person is deserving of respect; admit when you need help and be grateful when you receive it.
Mr. Eric has a chance to appear on a panel at SXSW! Please give a quick signup here to vote for us. If they get enough votes, he’ll be teaming up with the amazing shows Wow in the World, Brains On!, and Ear Snacks to spread the message of quality podcasting for children. Thanks a million!
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
89. What if I could fly over traffic?
Haven’t we all wondered this? Hasn’t everyone in What If World… but wait… most of them can already fly. No way this could be a disaster, unless of course Cthunkle gets involved. He does? Oh forget it.
Lessons include: if everyone refuses to wait their turn, then nobody gets a turn! Patience can be trying, but it can also be an opportunity to entertain yourself in a creative way, or to meet someone new.
Get a free story on Patreon! Our Patreon page has a link to a free story as a thank you just for checking us out. Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
88. What if I jumped on a trampoline and landed on a cloud? (with Jim Weiss)
Mr. Eric will be joined by the amazing author and voice actor, Jim Weiss, for a reimagining of the Jack and the Beanstalk, starring a little girl named Amalia, a magic trampoline, and a weather-controlling giant!
Lessons include: shutting yourself off from the world won’t make it a better place; not everyone you meet will share your passions, but stick with it and you’re sure to find a welcoming community!
And to hear the latest from Jim Weiss, check out The Count of Monte Cristo!
Live What If Workshop (for kids 7-12)! We’ll be back at Children’s Bookworld on August 11th running an intro to improv from 2:30 to 3:30. Mr. Eric will give kids tips and activities for live performance, working together, and inventing original stories. During the last 20 minutes, performers will work with the teacher to tell their own live story.
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
Bonus: Kids Listen Roadtrip Mixtape and “What if I lived in a world of dominos?”
This weekend, What If World teams up with five other amazing kid-friendly podcasts to bring you a Road Trip Mixtape! You’ll hear from Circle Round, Little Stories for Tiny People, Noodle Loaf, Story Spectacular, and Book Club for Kids. Of course, Mr. Eric will answer a What If Question with a fun roadtrip mini episode, too. Hope you enjoy it!
You can catch all our shows on the Kids Listen App or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Live What If Workshop (for kids 7-12)! We’ll be back at Children’s Bookworld on August 11th running an intro to improv from 2:30 to 3:30. Mr. Eric will give kids tips and activities for live performance, working together, and inventing original stories. During the last 20 minutes, performers will work with the teacher to tell their own live story.
Join What If World on Patreon! Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.
87. What if mommies lasso a dinosaur and give him butterfly kisses?
A 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.
Get a free story on Patreon! Our Patreon page has a link to a free story as a thank you just for checking us out. Patron episodes are always Ad-Free & Released Early, with Higher Quality Audio! You can also get a live shout out from your favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having your question turned into a story!
Live What If Workshop (for kids 7-10)! We’ll be back at Children’s Bookworld on August 11th running an intro to improv from 2:30 to 3:30. Mr. Eric will give kids tips and activities for live performance, working together, and inventing original stories. During the last 20 minutes, performers will work with the teacher to tell their own live story.
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our artwork is by Jason O’Keefe.