🙌 She started a podcast with $5K and a mission

Presented by Cozy Critters

🎯 Skill Check

Sometimes the problem isn’t the gear, the algorithm, or even the idea. It’s the fundamentals.

You hit a wall in your podcast. The story’s not landing. The edit feels flat. Engagement drops. And it’s tempting to chase something new—a fresh format, a better mic, a viral clip strategy. But what if the answer isn’t out there? What if it’s back at the basics?

A skill check doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. It means you’re willing to sit with the craft and ask: Am I still growing? Am I still listening well? Am I still cutting with intention?

The good news? You don’t have to be brilliant. You just have to keep sharpening the blade.

🎙️ Signal Flow: Rebecca Cunningham

Industry game changers and valiant minds share their wisdom, adversities, and paths to innovation.

Rebecca Cunningham is an award-winning podcast producer, writer, and director dedicated to creating bold, imaginative audio content for kids. She’s the creator of the acclaimed shows Girl Tales and Ghost Tour, and a passionate advocate for diverse, empowering storytelling. With a background in theater and a mission to reach young listeners where they are, Rebecca continues to shape the future of children’s media—one story at a time.

My writing process? It’s called procrastinate-until-you-can’t. I block off two days. Day one is avoidance. Day two is writing. But I’m always thinking, listening to other podcasts, reading, gathering sparks.

For people looking to connect with big brands, my advice is: show proof you can do this. Build your own thing if you have to. And stay in front of people. Network. Go to conferences. Keep showing up.

I used to be a theater director, and while nannying for a kid who couldn’t have screen time, I discovered the magic of podcasts. I turned on Stories Podcast and watched him sit, transfixed, for 30 minutes. That moment stuck with me. After the 2016 election, I felt an urgent need to do something for girls, and the idea for Girl Tales was born. I raised $5,000, taught myself how to produce, and launched it with my podcast partner, Chad Chenail.

We didn’t have money for advertising early on. Growth came from Kickstarter backers, word of mouth, and cross-promotion through networks like Kids Listen. A huge turning point was getting featured on Apple Podcasts in March 2020, right as COVID lockdowns began. Suddenly, parents everywhere were looking for screen-free content. It was the right moment, and we were ready.

Eventually, we got picked up by Starglow Media. We had just hit 100,000 monthly downloads. That opened the door to more support and exposure. We were one of their first three shows.

Now, we continue to grow through cross-promotion, newsletter updates, and community building. We launched Girl Tales Club, where kids preview episodes and give feedback. We mail out Girl Tales Starter Packs. And we prioritize loyalty to our listeners, because those superfans are the ones telling their friends.

We've also been featured again on Apple Podcasts and on Yoto Player, which were both huge sources of audience growth. Features matter. They really do.

I’ve also worked with brands like Tonies and Strawberry Shortcake. For Tonies, I helped create Pride-themed content in partnership with Drag Story Hour. We did branded episodes for Strawberry Shortcake that lived comfortably within the Girl Tales universe. When partnerships make sense, they’re a joy.

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☀️ Summer’s coming...bring the calm.

Whether you're road-tripping, stuck in traffic, or just trying to get the kids to actually sleep past 6 a.m., Cozy Critters is your new summer sanity saver. 

This award-winning kids' sleep podcast winds little minds down with gentle animal adventures, deep breaths, and a sprinkle of giggles—so you can all rest a little easier.

And while they’re drifting off, they’re learning too. Each episode is packed with fascinating facts about real animals, designed to soothe and spark curiosity.

Winner of a Mom’s Choice Award and featured by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Cozy Critters helps make bedtime (and summertime) a whole lot easier. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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Monetization in kids’ podcasting is tough. It requires balance. We stick to advertisers that align with our values—no alcohol, fast food, or anything out of step with our mission. If parents don’t want ads, they can subscribe to Starglow+. But I also remind folks: this is how we pay our team and keep making stories.

Sometimes, I reach out directly to brands I believe in, like Curious Jane. Sometimes, they come to us. Either way, it has to be a good fit.

Why kids’ content? Because I grew up without stories that reflected who I was. I want to give kids the stories we didn’t get. When I invite writers to contribute, I ask: What story did you need to hear when you were young?

There are challenges, especially now. The podcast industry is tight, jobs are shrinking, money is limited. But our numbers are growing. Kids love these stories. Parents trust us. That’s why I keep going. That’s why I believe in this work.

Patreon has been a helpful support system—it creates direct relationships with families and helps us understand what they want. We also have a newsletter with nearly a thousand parents. It’s a small but important way to stay connected.

At the end of the day, I’m still here because this is worth doing. There’s hope in this space. There’s joy. And there’s a generation of kids waiting for stories that feel like home.

🎙️ Podcast of the Week: The Memory Palace

One of my all-time favorite podcasts, The Memory Palace, is a masterclass in sharp writing and painterly storytelling. Hosted by Nate DiMeo, each episode is a miniature historical meditation. Quiet, emotional, and exquisitely crafted. It’s the kind of show that makes you pause, rewind, and sit with history.

🥾 Further Exploration: The Art of Podcast Storytelling

Producers from NBC News' podcasts "Grapevine" and "Southlake" share their techniques for crafting engaging narratives and conducting impactful interviews. Their insights offer practical advice for podcasters aiming to enhance their storytelling skills.

ICYMI:

🎙️ Creative Advice from an Award-Winning Podcast Showrunner

💰 Families Love This Money Podcast

🎙️ How a Harvard Podcast Found Its Voice