We typically listen to a rotation of 3 podcasts at bedtime that both my kids agree on (they are 6 and 11). I’m going to provide a review of each and you’ll also get their opinions.

Wow in the World – hosted by Mindy and Guy Raz with appearances by a giant pigeon named Reggie and produced by NPR.

Guy Raz plays the neighbor on the straight and narrow while Mindy lives in a gingerbread castle and sells burgers made out of bugs occasionally.

There is a lot of comedy but it’s such a “smart” podcast. They focus on many different science disciplines and explain current scientific studies to kids. For example, they discussed genetics while on a time machine journey to find the first human being with blue eyes.

They just wrapped up their 4th season but they also added a shorter show that they release several more times a week – Two Whats and a Wow that has a gameshow-like format.  Full episodes air on Mondays.

Wow in the World is their favorite podcast – but I sometimes think it’s not bedtime appropriate because it is very high energy. I get lots of pushback when I try to suggest something a little more peaceful and they go to sleep fairly well with it – so it stays in the rotation.

I’m excited to keep listening to this show – they have other resources available on their website and have a membership program with exclusive content. A book is being released on June 30th titled Wow in the World: Two Whats?! and a Wow! Think & Tinker Playbook: Activities and Games for Curious Kids which is the #1 New Release in Children’s Science on Amazon. You can find other places where the book is available on the Tinkercast website here.

The Kids Say –

11 yr old:  “It’s a great podcast especially if you want to learn about science, some episodes that have gross jokes might not be great for bedtime. Overall, it’s a great podcast!”

6 yr old: “It’s a good show to listen to at night time. My favorite part is that it kind of inspired me about other things.”

What If World – hosted by Mr. Eric, and self produced by Eric and Karen O’Keefe – brings you to a world of imagination inhabited by wizards, dragons and anything else kids from all over the world suggest.

Meet the president- Fred The Dog, who has sometimes been a zombie.  What if World is in its third season. Mr. Eric incorporates important life concepts such as tolerance, kindness, and honesty. Episodes are released on Mondays.

My boys both like this podcast but I feel it is more appropriate for my youngest. He has sent in a couple of suggestions and while they did not make it in the show – he has received a personal reply both times. I like the focus on imagination and I have fun listening to the voices. This is very good for bedtime. What If World can be found here if you’d like to visit and find out more.

The Kids Say –

11 yr old: “What if World is just a great overall podcast, great for listening, especially with a lot of imagination. I just really like all of it.”

6yr old: “I like everything about it, almost.”

Story Pirates – produced by Gimlet Media, it is both a serial type story and features submissions by kids that have been turned into “sketch comedy and song”. Currently in its third season, the story pirates are in space meeting aliens and have recently been the subjects of an intergalactic reality TV show.

They often have special guest appearances by well known actors and actresses. The podcast has produced three books and offers a Creator Club with exclusive content. The kids like this podcast and we definitely listen when new episodes are released on Thursdays. Visit the Story Pirates here to find out more!

The Kids Say –

11 yr old: “Story Pirates is very fun and I like how they do kids stories but sometimes the continuing story is hard to follow.”

6 yr old: “Same for me.”

Other podcasts we have tried out: The Two Princes (features two princes who travel together to break the curse that affects both their lands), Circle Round (stories adapted from other cultures and retold), Science Adventure Stories for Kids (featuring Simon – the mindful frog).

Comment below if you have any podcast favorites that you think we should try!