157. What if dinosaurs were alive today?
The 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!
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
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What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s artwork was put together using images from Chris and David.
156. What if Mr. Eric got sucked into What If World and Cthunkle took him into his lair?
Cthunkle seems to think that “social distancing” means shutting himself away for eternity at the bottom of Squid Lake. Can Mr. Eric help him find other ways to have fun?
Lessons: When people are worried, it’s more fun to be a helper than a trickster; Washing our hands and keeping them away from our face is a healthy habit year round!
This episode talks about social distancing. Our What If World characters do see each other in a small group so that we can answer our kid’s questions, but, in the US, the recommendation of health professionals as of March 14th, 2020, is to cancel classes and playdates and to spend time with your immediate family . Stay safe and healthy out there!
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
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My friends at Kids Listen have made extra podcast content for you this week to help fill your free time. Also, here’s a great episode from NPR about Coronavirus and Parenting.
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s art is from OCAL.
155. What if clouds were made out of cotton candy?
Barbara Bot teams up with Cleocatra to save our president from the clutches of the chocolate monsters. Could today be the day when magic comes back to What If World?
by Ana Stretcu
Lessons include: When there are too many problems to consider all at once, try just focusing on one at a time; Our minds are incredibly powerful, and can make falsehoods appear to be true!
If you haven’t heard episodes 138. What if barbies were real and they lived with evil robots?, and 149. What if magic didn't exist?, this story may be a bit more confusing than usual ;)
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
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What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s Cleocatra artwork was created by Ana Stretcu.
154. What if Mr. Eric wasn't real?
Poppa Loo’s News reports from a speeding train where people are turning into elements from the periodic tables! Can he and Mamma Jamma find Mr. Eric and help us get What If World back on track?
Lessons include: Researching a problem can help you take the right steps to fix it; in a serious situation, it’s important to keep thinking and observing in order to stay safe.
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World wherever you listen to podcasts!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. Today’s artwork was drawn by Peck, our incomparable patron and superfan, back in 2018.
22. What if a tree named Harrigo went to eat a chocolate that was talking?
What if that knotted old tree you pass by every day was actually a grumpy talking chocolate fanatic? Meet Harrigo, a tree with a real sweet trunk, and the young candy bar who teaches him that being nice is a little harder than just not eating your friends.
This episode originally aired March 13th, 2017.
This is truly one of my favorite old stories. I hope you enjoy it! We’ll have a new story for you next week. Thanks for listening and spreading the word!
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World wherever you listen to podcasts!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. Today’s artwork was drawn by Peck, our incomparable patron and superfan, back in 2018.
153. What if clocks were bananas and monkeys ate time?
We learn a little bit about Mr. Eric today as he travels back in time. Can he stop the Time Monkey, or will he get stuck in his own past?
Lessons include: Our past helps shape who we are today, even the parts that aren’t so great; big new challenges are always scary, but they can help us learn about ourselves
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World wherever you listen to podcasts!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com.
152. What if Fred went into a portal to Zombie Land?
In his search for the Frog Queen, Fred the Dog the Frog discovers a portal to Zombie Land. Can they help Fred find his way home, or will they only be interested in his BRAINS?!
by Ana Stretcu
Lessons include: fun opportunities are everywhere, but they’re impossible to find if you don’t leave the house!
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
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What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s Fred artwork was created by Ana Stretcu.
151. What if holidays flew onto Mount Everest?
Dracomax 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.
by Ana Stretcu
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
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s Dracomax artwork was created by Ana Stretcu.
101. What if Cthunkle did his show, “What Is World”?
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!
Cthunkle, by Ana Stretcu
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.
This episode originally aired November 19th, 2018.
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s Cthunkle artwork was created by the amazing artist and illustrator, Ana Stretcu.
150. What if imagination was good?
Alabaster Zero, Fred the Frog, and Abacus P. Grumbler are stuck in a swamp next to an erupting volcano. Can they save the people of the swamp even without magic?
Lessons include: with imagination and hard work, we can accomplish almost anything; sometimes we all need to be willing to accept help from others.
The dangers in our imaginary swamp were inspired by the disastrous bushfires in Australia, as well as the Taal Volcano ash eruption in the Philippines. For our 150th episode we’re encouraging you to look out at What Is World and, if you have the means and the time, find some way to help. Even if you’re listening to this story in 2030, you can make a difference in the world with your engagement and support. The Australian Red Cross or the Philippine Red Cross could be a great place to start in 2020 (our media present).
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com.
The full questions that helped inspire this story were:
From our patron, Silas: What if Fred licked the volcano away and turned it into a little frog wand and turned Alabaster Zero, Abacus, and himself back into their regular selves?
From Elle: I like horses, and what if Fred the Dog convinced Alabaster Zero that imagination is good and then Alabaster Zero called on Dracomax to fill the pond with water and put out the volcano with his breath and save the day?
From Ellis: What if cowboys helped Fred, Alabaster, and Abacus and had magic blasters that restored very small amounts magic, and used magic lassos could cast spells and rode on unicorns?
149. What if magic didn’t exist?
When Abacus P. Grumbler, Fred the Dog, and Alabaster Zero get turned into frogs, it’s really no big deal… until magic ceases to exist! Can they learn to get by as frogs in a world without magic?
Lessons include: When you dismiss other people’s concerns, you can land yourself in hot water… or a lava swamp; even when we feel out of control, we can still make our own choices.
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
This episode was part of the Kids Listen New Year’s Sweeps. You can check out great New Year’s themed episodes by our friends Story Spectacular, April Eight, and The Good Word's Podcast.
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episodes artwork was made with images by OCAL and Felicity.
148. What if dragons can’t fly?
Dracomax wakes up one morning to discover that half of each wing has somehow disappeared! Can Lola rabbit help him find answers in the enchanted forest?
“Sticky” the giant gecko, by our patron, Esha!
Lessons include: Most things don’t come back when they’re used up, so we’ve all get to try to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible; imagining how others might be affected by your decisions can help you make better choices.
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts! You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter; or email whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com.
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com.
79. What if unicorns turned to rocks when they’re shy? (w/ Greg Webb)
Emmatrice Widdle Pony Unistony has been shyly hiding as a stone in the woods until Fairien the Fairy Alien (voiced by Greg Webb of Purple Rocket Podcast) comes to take over the worl – ahem – make a new friend. Can Fairien be a good friend and respect Emma’s shyness, or will he forget the whole thing and conquer What If World?
Lessons include: safety is about learning the smartest way to try something new; fun can be big and loud or little and quiet, you should try a bit of both; make sure you always respect your friends’ boundaries
If you enjoyed this week’s story, please check out Greg Webb’s Purple Rocket Podcast! Greg is offering a guaranteed Shout Out on his show when you Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts by the end of January 2020. Just leave your first name and where you’re from as part of your review! Enjoy :)
147. Santa got sick and Kiddoclaus had to deliver Christmas?
When Santaphant the Wooly Mammoth gets sick, Fred and JFKat have to save Ifmas with a little help from a flying megalodon.
Lessons: Learning about others people’s holidays gives us even more to appreciate; You shouldn’t eat candy you find in the forest ;)
What If World exists thanks to our Patrons. Get a better chance at having your question chosen, plus Ad-Free stories, a Shout-Out on the show, bonus audio, and more. Join our Patreon!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts! You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter; or email whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com.
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s art incorporates images by OCAL.
146. What if lunchboxes could talk to food? (w/ Craig Martinson)
“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 is sponsored by The Purple Rocket Podcast! My friend, Greg Webb, is a wonderful storyteller and he’s offering a guaranteed Shout Out on his show when you Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts by the end of January 2020. Just leave your first name and where you’re from as part of your review! Enjoy :)
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s art was made using pixlr.com.
Want to hear this story without ads and with special outtakes? Join our Patreon! Patrons also get a shout out on the show, a better chance of getting questions answered, bonus audio, and lots more!
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145. What if Fred had a pokemon?
When a giant snow dragon crashes the holiday school party, everyone is trying to blame everyone else for unleashing the beast! Can you pick out the grains of truth from this collection of tall tales?
Lessons: We are not required to hug others, there are many perfectly friendly ways to say hello; The truth can be hard to figure out sometimes, because one event recalled from a new perspective can sound very different!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join our Patreon for Ad-Free Episodes released early with higher quality audio. Patrons get a shout out on the show, a better chance of getting questions answered, bonus audio, and lots more!
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter; or email whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com.
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This episode’s art is from OCAL.
72. What if jellybeans worked at a grocery store?
Meet Mr. Bean and his daughter Julie Bean, who run a little grocery store that brings out the silly in people. But when Jesύs Ironhands the Fire Lion (a character invented by patron Teddy) brings his own brand of “humor” to the store, things start to heat up!
Lessons include: humor should feel like a friendly trick, not a personal attack; if you don’t know how to joke with a new friend, joking about yourself first can help break the ice.
This episode originally aired April 18th, 2018.
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Join our Patreon for Ad-Free Episodes released early with higher quality audio. Patrons get a shout out on the show, a better chance of getting questions answered, bonus audio, and lots more!
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, email whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com, or snail mail our P.O. Box:
What If World (or Mr. Eric)
P.O. Box 4905
Panorama City, CA 91412
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. The week's artwork is by the incomparable fan and patron, Peck!
144. What if mermaids turn into robots?
Are you ready to meet shape-changing superhero mermaid/robot twins Harponic and Ethantricity? Charlie White of the podcast Just Us Weirdos helps us tell today’s story.
Lessons: The water’s always bluer in someone else’s sea; Super powers can’t make you super, but your efforts can!
If you want to hear more strange and wonderful superhero stories, check out Charlie White’s podcast, Just Us Weirdos!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join our Patreon for Ad-Free Episodes released early with higher quality audio. Patrons get a shout out on the show, a better chance of getting questions answered, bonus audio, and lots more!
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com.
143. What if people sneezed pickles?
Alabaster 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!
Subscribe to What If World on Himalaya or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join our Patreon for Ad-Free Episodes released early with higher quality audio. Patrons get a shout out on the show, a better chance of getting questions answered, bonus audio, and lots more!
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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This week’s artwork was adapted from pieces by OCAL and D.
142. What if numbers were made out of tangerines?
Dracomax has a new friend named just Draco, because she 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 episode is brought to you by The Creeping Hour, a horror anthology series recommended for kids 8-12. Time to creep out!
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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. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This week’s artwork by OCAL.
Join our Patreon for Ad-Free Episodes released early with higher quality audio. Patrons get a shout out on the show, a better chance of getting questions answered, bonus audio, and lots more!