What’s the WHY Behind Dorktales Storytime?

A Special Message from Molly Murphy

Cue the confetti, it’s our 50^th episode! Hi, this is Molly Murphy, writer, producer and composer for Dorktales Storytime…and, I’m Jonathan Cormur’s sister. Which is pretty cool!

For almost two years, our creative team has been building our fictional “Once Upon a Time” universe—a land filled with imagination where Jonathan and Mr. Redge take us on a journey of curiosity and acceptance  – through fairy tales with a geeky twist, the histories of hidden heroes, and now, Dorktales lore stories which take us deeper into our anything-is-possible world-building.

I’ve loved being a part of creating and sharing these stories, and am so excited to have the opportunity to explore more of the Once Upon a Time backstory. But I wanted to take a moment to share more about our backstory too – and why storytelling and imagination are so incredibly important to the Dorktales team.

Growing up, Jonathan and I were bullied. We didn’t share interests with the other kids in our classes, and being different, especially at that young age, was often very challenging.

Thinking about those times encourages me to reflect on what a tender age it is when you’re in elementary and middle school, and to have compassion for every kid navigating those waters. So much is changing in your life so rapidly, so many big and brand-new feelings, and I think young people want to find some amount of control. To avoid embarrassment, hurt, or standing out at all. And I get it! It can be pretty hard to be a kid that stands out. When we become grown-ups, we accidentally write off these feelings because we’ve made it through, telling kids that it’s not such a big deal – you’re young, and it will pass.

Here at Dorktales, we want to share a new message with the kids and grownups who listen to our stories.

We love making this podcast because we can tell all kids that everything they’re feeling is valid. We can give them tools for navigating the world, and stories to turn to where they can hear that they matter and they’re enough. We want to be that community for young people. We want Dorktales to be the space where kids can celebrate who they are without fear.

Dorktales Storytime is a place filled with hope and imagination, where Jonathan and Mr. Redge take us on a journey, leading us through a land where everyone is celebrated for standing out and letting their geek flags fly! This is the podcast that Jonathan and I wish we could have listened to when we were growing up, and are so excited to be making it for all the kids out there who need it now. 

Thank you, dear listeners—our Dork Squad—for continuing to explore the wonderful, wacky, wild world of Dorktales! Now, (and I’ve always wanted to say this) go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!