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.
86. What if crabs could dance and super heroes lost their powers? (w/ Karen O'Keeffe)
Get ready to dance the Crabbarena with Coco Crab, Czarina Ballerina, and all of What If World’s greatest super-heroes. Miss Karen co-hosts another great episode and debuts her Russian accent. Don’t miss this one!
Lessons include: You don’t have to be the best at something to have fun doing it; some people have natural talents, but most of us have to work hard to get good at anything
You can help us win a Podcast Award!
Sign up here to vote for What If World in the Kids & Family and the People's Choice categories. It's our first time being nominated and we need your help! Thanks a million.
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: Bobby & Miley Pizza Makeliverers (the Song!)
Here's a great song by the fabulous Angela Ferrari of Story Spectacular. I can't stop listening to it, and I hope you enjoy it as well.
Please check out her show for more great jams and stories, and our Patreon page if you want ad-free bonus content like this more often!
85. What if Bobby Robot delivered pizza? (with Angela Ferrari)
Do you know the story of the Robo-Tortoise and the Rabbot? It’s an old What If World yarn, and Angeli Ferrari of Story Spectacular is going to help retell it! Who will win the Pizza Makelivery Race, Bobby Robot or Miley Rabbot?
Lessons include: Strive to add a personal touch and make real connections, and everything you do can be more enjoyable; never underestimate your peers
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, and edited & produced 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.
84. What if fair Elise and Fred the dog climbed up Mount Everest?
Lots of new character 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!
Join What If World on Patreon!
Get ad-free episodes, snail mail from Mr. Eric, bonus content, and a much better chance of getting your question turned into a story! Coming soon, early access to stories!!!
What If World is hosted and performed by Eric O’Keeffe and co-edited by Karen Marshall O'Keeffe, with a theme song by Craig Martinson.
83. What if I could be invisible and lights could shoot?
Over 100 years ago, in the Wild What, Dimmer the Elf faces off against InvisiBen the Unsightly Troll. Can the clever elf defeat the unseen threat, even though he doesn’t have any elf super powers?
Lessons include: there’s no super power like practice; one’s imagination is often scarier than the reality; many of the best inventions are built using other great ideas.
Join What If World on Patreon!
Get ad-free episodes, snail mail from Mr. Eric, bonus content, and a much better chance of getting your question turned into a story! Coming soon, early access to stories!!!
What If World is hosted and performed by Eric O’Keeffe and edited by Karen Marshall O'Keeffe, with a theme song by Craig Martinson.