Storypillar

<p><strong>June’s Brain Breather: Feeling Discouraged with Cottonball and Swoosh</strong></p><p><em>Figuring out how we’re feeling is hard…but easier with friends. Join Bean for a silly story that will help us check in with our minds and take care of our feelings.</em></p><p><strong>Feelings Focus: </strong>Coping with failure; Feeling not good enough</p><p><strong>Protagonists:</strong> Cottonball the Sheep and Swoosh the Windshield Wiper</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A fjord on New Zealand’s South Island</p><p><strong>Strategies: </strong>Self affirmations; confidence mantras; “Find your can” mindset shift (Ask: What <em>can </em>I do?) </p><p><strong>Resources: </strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://peachytoes.com/confidence-mantras-for-kids/">-Confidence Mantras for Kids</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/help-kids-overcome-fear-failure?srsltid=AfmBOop9ywkErudnHwFLRliZ_kUeFHG8dMN-RQSGSzhBBsad910Qv2Ox">Helping Kids Cope with Failure</a></p><p><strong>Info/Get in Touch: </strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com">www.storypillar.com</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/storypillar/">@storypillar</a> </p><p>Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storypillar.com/#mailinglist">mailing list</a>. </p><p><em>Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you love listening!</em></p><p><strong>Donate: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/storypillar">https://ko-fi.com/storypillar</a> </p><p><strong>Shop:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://storypillarstore.threadless.com">storypillarstore.threadless.com</a> </p><p><strong>Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis</p><p><strong>Storypillar Theme Song: </strong></p><p>Lyrics by Meg Lewis </p><p>Music by Meg Lewis, Andy Jobe, and Suzanna Bridges </p><p>Produced by Andy Jobe </p><p><strong>Episode Cover Art: </strong></p><p>Mackenzie Allison</p><p>Meg Lewis</p><p><strong>Sound Effects and Additional Music:</strong></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://freesound.org">freesound.org</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://pixabay.com">pixabay.com</a></p><p><strong>-Pixabay Artists: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-acoustic-simasx27s-243677/">SIMAS-2010</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-surprise-115066/">SunnyScy BBB Song</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/world-wonder-world-435290/">SunnyScy NZ Song</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/world-mysterius-island-309964/">Eusebiodemaria</a><strong>, </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/techno-trance-edm-club-music-265781/">LudoSoundX</a></p><p><em>Know a kid with cool facts, great jokes, or who wants to share how they’re feeling? Tell us! Details at </em><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks"><em>www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks</em></a><em>. </em></p><p>© 2026 PowerMouse Press, LLC</p>

<p><strong>June’s Full Episode: Wings for Worms (New Zealand)</strong></p><p><strong>Story: </strong>Maia the kea thinks worms are <em>delicious, </em>but realizes they’re pretty hard to get if your beak just isn’t built for digging. Thankfully, Riko the kiwi is not only willing to share a wriggly snack, but also to help Maia rediscover her own, unique talents.</p><p><strong>Region: </strong>New Zealand</p><p><strong>Sticky Situation: </strong>What do you do when you’re feeling not good enough and like you can’t do anything right? </p><p><strong>Unstick Tricks by: </strong>Jamie (Age 10) and Luke (Age 10)</p><p><strong>Feelings Focus: </strong>Shifting mindset, embracing strengths, asking for help, collaboration </p><p><strong>Love telling stories!? Check out guest writer Josh R.’s Tell Us A Story Card Game: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tellusastory.games/home">https://www.tellusastory.games/home</a></p><p><strong>Make a donation! Support Storypillar!</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/storypillar">https://ko-fi.com/storypillar</a> </p><p><strong>Info/Get in Touch: </strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com">www.storypillar.com</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/storypillar/">@storypillar</a> </p><p>Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storypillar.com/#mailinglist">mailing list</a> </p><p><strong>Created, Written, and Produced by: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis </p><p><strong>Story by:</strong></p><p>Joshua Rubin</p><p><strong>Narrated by:</strong></p><p>Pamela Galbraith </p><p><strong>Sound Design/Audio Editing: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis and Nate Blaweiss</p><p><strong>Storypillar Theme Song: </strong></p><p>Lyrics by Meg Lewis </p><p>Music by Meg Lewis, Andy Jobe, and Suzanna Bridges </p><p>Produced by Andy Jobe </p><p><strong>Episode Cover Art </strong></p><p>Mackenzie Allison</p><p><strong>Sound Effects and Additional Music: </strong></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Freesound.org">Freesound.org</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://freesound.org/people/tombenedict/sounds/397997/">Hawaii Nature Ambient Sound</a></p><p>-Kiwi call: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://deadsounds.com/kiwi-bird-sound">https://deadsounds.com/kiwi-bird-sound</a> </p><p>-Suzanna Bridges (As Sparky) </p><p>-Pixabay Artists: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-brandon-hill-glbml-109292/">GeoffreyBurch</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/world-wonder-world-435290/">SunnyScy</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/beats-modern-rnb-eternal-flame-15674/">AntipodeanWriter</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/world-mysterius-island-309964/">Eusebiodemaria</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/ambient-pacific-154137/">Onetent</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/beats-travel-positive-beat-289502/">9JackJack8</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/cartoons-raggamuffin-173303/">GeoffHarvey</a> </p><p>© 2026 PowerMouse Press, LLC </p>

<p><strong>June’s Sneak Attack!!! Maori Tattoos and Mountain Parrots in New Zealand</strong></p><p><em>Join Sneak for facts about our next Storypillar destination and kid-approved jokes that will make you laugh your face off! </em></p><p><strong>Region:</strong> New Zealand</p><p><strong>Facts:</strong> Maori culture and Ta Moko tattoos; fjords; </p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Alpine parrots, kiwi birds, lots and LOTS of sheep</p><p><strong>Jokes:</strong> Keas and sheep!</p><p><strong>Links for Kids:</strong> </p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/new-zealand">New Zealand Facts for Kids</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://factanimal.com/kea/">Kea Facts for Kids</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.animalfunfacts.net/ratites/161-kiwi.html">-Kiwi Facts for Kids</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.world.rugby/the-game/beginners-guide/game">Beginners’ Guide to Rugby</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/ta-moko-maori-tattoo/">Ta Moko: Maori Tattooing</a></p><p><strong>Make a donation! Support Storypillar!</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/storypillar">https://ko-fi.com/storypillar</a> </p><p><strong>Shop at: </strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://storypillarstore.threadless.com">storypillarstore.threadless.com</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Info/Get in Touch: </strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com">www.storypillar.com</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/storypillar/">@storypillar</a> </p><p>Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storypillar.com/#mailinglist">mailing list</a>. </p><p><strong>Created, Written, and Produced by: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis </p><p><strong>Storypillar Theme Song: </strong></p><p>Lyrics by Meg Lewis </p><p>Music by Meg Lewis, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/andyandsuzanna/">Andy Jobe, and Suzanna Bridges</a> </p><p>Produced by Andy Jobe </p><p><strong>Episode Cover Art: </strong></p><p>Mackenzie Allison and Meg Lewis</p><p><strong>Sound Effects and Additional Music: </strong></p><p><strong>-</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://freesound.org/">https://freesound.org/</a> </p><p>-Kiwi call: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://deadsounds.com/kiwi-bird-sound">https://deadsounds.com/kiwi-bird-sound</a> </p><p>-Joke Time Song: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://freesound.org/people/BlondPanda/sounds/659889/">https://freesound.org/people/BlondPanda/sounds/659889/</a> </p><p>-Silly Country Rhyme Song: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/folk-polka-song-polish-traditional-music-background-intro-theme-261890/">BackgroundMusicforVideo</a></p><p>-Pixabay Artists: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/world-wonder-world-435290/">SunnyScy</a><strong>; </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/beats-modern-rnb-eternal-flame-15674/">AntipodeanWriter</a></p><p><strong>Know a kid with great advice for Sticky Situations? </strong>Check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks">www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>© 2026 PowerMouse Press, LLC</strong></p>

<p><strong>May’s Brain Breather: Setting Boundaries with Purrcy and Flush</strong></p><p><em>Figuring out how we’re feeling is hard…but easier with friends. Join Bean for a silly story that will help us check in with our minds and take care of our feelings.</em></p><p><strong>Feelings Focus: </strong>Setting boundaries, facing bullies, being assertive, speaking up</p><p><strong>Protagonists:</strong> Purrcy the Mountain Lion and Flush the Toilet</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A tree fort in the Smoky Mountains </p><p><strong>Strategies: </strong>Great Grandpotty Lidbert’s 4 S’s of Setting Boundaries<strong> </strong>(Stand tall, Speak calmly, Say what needs to stop, Suggest an alternative)</p><p><strong>Resources: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://childrenswi.org/at-every-turn/stories/2025/07/helping-kids-stand-up-for-themselves">Helping Kids Be Assertive</a><strong>, </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.kidscape.org.uk/advice/advice-for-young-people/how-can-i-be-assertive-and-stand-up-for-myself/">Assertive Practice for Kids</a></p><p><strong>Info/Get in Touch: </strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com">www.storypillar.com</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/storypillar/">@storypillar</a> </p><p>Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storypillar.com/#mailinglist">mailing list</a>. </p><p><em>Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you love listening!</em></p><p><strong>Donate: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/storypillar">https://ko-fi.com/storypillar</a> </p><p><strong>Shop:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://storypillarstore.threadless.com">storypillarstore.threadless.com</a> </p><p><strong>Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis</p><p><strong>Storypillar Theme Song: </strong></p><p>Lyrics by Meg Lewis </p><p>Music by Meg Lewis, Andy Jobe, and Suzanna Bridges </p><p>Produced by Andy Jobe </p><p><strong>Episode Cover Art: </strong></p><p>Mackenzie Allison</p><p>Meg Lewis</p><p><strong>Sound Effects and Additional Music:</strong></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://freesound.org">freesound.org</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://pixabay.com">pixabay.com</a></p><p><strong>-</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://freesound.org/people/tombenedict/sounds/397997/">Hawaii Nature Ambient Sound</a> </p><p><strong>-Pixabay Artists: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-acoustic-simasx27s-243677/">SIMAS-2010</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-surprise-115066/">SunnyScy</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/modern-blues-lost-in-the-swamp-235829/">AlanaJordan</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/modern-country-wild-west-wedding-126336/">Music_for_Creators</a><strong>, </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/solo-guitar-the-beat-of-nature-122841/">Folk_Acoustic</a></p><p><em>Know a kid with great advice for sticky situations? Tell us! Details at </em><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks"><em>www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks</em></a><em>. </em></p><p>© 2026 PowerMouse Press, LLC </p>

<p><strong>May’s Full Episode: Rabbits Don’t Climb Trees (The Smoky Mountains)</strong></p><p><strong>Story: </strong>A sneezy rabbit, cheeky snail, and <em>slightly</em> overbearing possum learn a thing or two about setting boundaries…and manage to get animals with no climbing skills whatsoever up a giant tree. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Region: </strong>The Smoky Mountains (Southeastern United States)</p><p><strong>Sticky Situation: </strong>What do you do when a friend is being rude? </p><p><strong>Unstick Tricks by: </strong>Vivienne (Age 8), Lena (Age 6), and Jayna (Age 6)</p><p><strong>Feelings Focus: </strong>Speaking up; empathy; setting boundaries; managing with bullies; standing up for yourself</p><p><strong>Know a kid with great advice for Sticky Situations?</strong> Tell us! Details at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks">www.storypillar.com/unsticktricks</a>.<em> </em></p><p><strong>Make a donation! Support Storypillar!</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/storypillar">https://ko-fi.com/storypillar</a> </p><p><strong>Info/Get in Touch: </strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.storypillar.com">www.storypillar.com</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/storypillar/">@storypillar</a> </p><p>Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storypillar.com/#mailinglist">mailing list</a> </p><p><strong>Story by:</strong></p><p>Meg Lewis</p><p><strong>Created, Written, and Produced by: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis </p><p><strong>Sound Design/Audio Editing: </strong></p><p>Meg Lewis and Nate Blaweiss</p><p><strong>Storypillar Theme Song: </strong></p><p>Lyrics by Meg Lewis </p><p>Music by Meg Lewis, Andy Jobe, and Suzanna Bridges </p><p>Produced by Andy Jobe </p><p><strong>Episode Cover Art </strong></p><p>Mackenzie Allison</p><p><strong>Sound Effects and Additional Music: </strong></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Freesound.org">Freesound.org</a></p><p>-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://freesound.org/people/tombenedict/sounds/397997/">Hawaii Nature Ambient Sound</a></p><p>-Suzanna Bridges (As Sparky) </p><p>-Pixabay Artists: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/beats-sad-emotional-beat-cry-alone-broken_heart-121597/">NightCityTunes</a>; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/modern-blues-lost-in-the-swamp-235829/">AlanaJordan</a>; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/modern-country-wild-west-wedding-126336/">Music_for_Creators</a>; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-country-fried-taters-bluegrass-18547/">Caffeine_Creek_Band</a>; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/ireland-bag-o-irish-310585/">Grumpynora</a>; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/music/solo-guitar-the-beat-of-nature-122841/">Folk_Acoustic</a></p><p>© 2026 PowerMouse Press, LLC </p>