Four Acclaimed Bay Area Kids Podcast Creators Unite for Free Family Festival at The Reading Bug

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN CARLOS, CA, August 3, 2026 – On Sunday, August 30, four of the Bay Area's celebrated kids podcast creators will come together for a free morning of live storytelling, interactive performances, listening stations, and family activities at The Reading Bug Bookstore in downtown San Carlos, starting at 11:00 AM.

The Kids Podcast Festival brings together creators from four distinctly different podcasts that are helping kids discover stories, explore world cultures, understand current events, and develop a lifelong love of reading through audio.

Families will have the opportunity to meet the creators behind Reading Bug Adventures, Dorktales Storytime, Folktales from Sudan, and The Ten News while enjoying live performances, hands-on listening experiences, giveaways, and opportunities to learn how podcasts are created.

"Each of these podcasts shows just how imaginative, thoughtful, and diverse children's audio storytelling can be,” said Lauren Savage, co-founder of The Reading Bug and creator of Reading Bug Adventures.

“We're excited to bring our community together to celebrate the stories, ideas, and voices that inspire kids to keep listening, keep reading, and keep imagining,"

Each creator will share a live experience showcasing the many ways podcasts can inspire imagination, connection, and discovery:

• Jonathan Cormur, autistic voice actor and co-creator of Dorktales Storytime, will bring multiple characters to life in a live performance of an original story to demonstrate what happens when he’s behind the mic.

• Hana Baba, journalist, host of KALW's Crosscurrents, and creator of Folktales from Sudan, will share a traditional tale that introduces families to the storytelling traditions and cultural heritage of Sudan.

• Tracy Leeds Kaplan, founder of Small But Mighty Media and executive producer of The Ten News, will show families how kid-friendly journalism can make current events engaging and accessible for young listeners.

• Lauren Savage, owner of The Reading Bug and creator of Reading Bug Adventures, will perform an original adventure combining storytelling, music, and imagination that inspires a love of reading.

The event is free and open to families with children of all ages. More event details and schedule at thereadingbug.com/events/calendar

Event at a Glance

Kids Podcast Festival

Date: Sunday, August 30

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: The Reading Bug Bookstore785 Laurel StreetSan Carlos, CA 94070

Admission: Free

Featured Podcasts:

• Reading Bug Adventures

• Dorktales Storytime

• Folktales from Sudan

• The Ten News