Top 8 Storytelling Podcasts for Kids of all Ages

With schools shut down, and many of us working from home owing to the pandemic, it has become increasingly difficult to keep kids occupied at home. Children have been stuck indoors since March and the online learning medium has taken a toll on them. Parents are struggling to minimise screen time and meaningfully engage their kids.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to turn to podcasts. If you're a podcast listener, you know it's a great medium of entertainment with a range of curated niche content. The global content that is easily accessible is a blessing. We have handpicked eight of the most interesting storytelling podcasts for your children across all age groups. All of them are available on Spotify, Google, and Apple podcasts.

Classics from around the world

The Stories Podcast is the perfect place to get your dose of classic stories like Snow White from around the world. The podcast includes retellings of popular myths and folktales, as well as a handful of original stories that can keep your younger ones engaged. The episodes are from ten to twenty minutes and suitable for all ages.

Grandma's tales

The Chulbuli Tales Podcast is a relatively new one. By sharing a wide range of intriguing stories, from Birbal to Goddess Durga, a group of grandmothers strives to keep the art of storytelling alive. The brief episodes range from four to twelve minutes and are available in multiple languages. Asha Malu and Sunita Malpani recite stories in Hindi while Anupama Sabnis will be reciting in Marathi.

Morality tales

Circle Round brings to you a host of folktales from all across the globe. You will find stories from all over- Brazil, Mexico, China, and many more, exposing your child to a truly universal set of values. What differs this podcast from others is the creative storytelling method which interlaces the stories with a message of morality, be it kindness, or humility. Recited by celebrities, these engaging episodes range between ten to twenty minutes.

Reimagined fairytales

Fairytales appeal to all ages and we've all been besotted with them. Many times, the messaging in these beloved tales has been problematic, especially in today's context. Parents today do not wish to tell their little girls stories about damsels in distress and princesses who need a prince for protection. Here comes, Girl Tales, a podcast that reimagines the ultimate fairytales and fables into feminist stories of strength, courage, and adventure. Imagine being able to tell your kids a version of The Little Mermaid or Cinderella which isn't all about Prince Charming. The episodes are on the longer side, seventeen minutes and up, but they are absolutely worth it.

Stories from India

Panchtantra and Jataka Tales were a big part of our childhood. Baalgatha, literally meaning children's story, bring to you hundreds of stories from the aforementioned sources and many more which aim to not only entertain your children but also educate. In addition to English, the podcast is available in a number of regional languages, including, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, Telegu, and Hindi. With episodes as short as four minutes, you can pick the one that suits your preferences.

Stories about real women

Fierce Girls is an Australian podcast devoted to depicting true stories of trailblazing women. One can find here stories about athletes, teachers, spies, and anyone with guts. What's special is that these stories have been written and narrated by little girls themselves. Ranging from seven to nine minutes, these episodes are ideal for infusing a spirit of adventure in your kids and sharing with them examples of courageous women.

History mystery

The podcast Stuff You Missed in History Class is arguably the most interesting one on this list. There is no denying that history is full of weird and intriguing stories that are often unheard of in academic settings. Your teenager doesn't need to be a history buff to be interested in the ‘flying ambulance' developed for Napoleon's army or the construction of Disneyland's Haunted House. From Emperor Ashoka to Mozart's sister, this global podcast covers it all. With a unique focus on overlooked stories, and underrepresented groups, Stuff You Missed in History Class presents the world on a platter. Leaning towards the longer side, the explanatory episodes are sixteen minutes and upwards.

Indian literature

Narrated by Sameer Goswami, Kahani Suno is a podcast that aims to revive Indian classical stories by reputed literary writers like Jaishankar Prasad and Munshi Premchand. The podcast's episodes are to the point, some even three minutes short, and keep listeners hooked. Kahani Suno is the perfect way to introduce children to the country's literary giants at an impressionable age.