265. Cecilia asks: What if cats could knit socks?

When Heyna the Hyena tries out to play Pawccer in the Whirling Cup, all the dog and cat players can’t figure out what team to put her on. Will she get to play, or will she use her magical knitting powers to sabotage her favorite game?

Lessons include: We can all grow through inclusivity; Attacking others in anger will never help matters, no matter how justified your anger may be.

The book that helped inspire today’s story, along with your questions!

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This story is inspired in part by our friend’s new children’s book, “The Great Ball Game.” Adapted by Rebecca Sheir and illustrated by Ojibwe Woodland artist Joshua Pawis-Steckley, "The Great Ball Game” is inspired by Native American and First Nations tales about a dispute between the animals and the birds over who is best. You can find it — along with Circle Round’s other picture books, “The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest” and “A Taste of Honey” — at your favorite online bookseller or at your local bookstore. You can find the links to all of Rebecca’s book and her amazing podcast, Circle Round, on her website: WBUR.org/circleround

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What If World is made by Eric and Karen O'Keeffe. A big thanks to our associate producer Miss Lynn. Our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe and our theme song is by Craig Martinson.

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110. What if phones came alive? (Fur vs. Tech: Part 2)

Let’s see What If World’s future, after twelve years of having smartphones! Will the phones take over, or will this somehow end with a hole being ripped in the space-time continuum?

Let's see What If World's future, after twelve years of having smartphones! Will the phones take over, or will this somehow end with a hole being ripped in the space-time continuum? Lessons include: Books and stories are an important part of learning; if you can really listen to others explain their mistakes, you can avoid making those mistakes yourself!

Lessons include: Books and stories are an important part of learning; if you can really listen to others explain their mistakes, you can avoid making those mistakes yourself!

This 1 minute survey gets you a free bonus episode! It’s anonymous and just asks questions about parents. The bonus episode is a mad lib story where Fred the Dog is turned into a cat by Abacus P. Grumbler! One lucky family will also be chosen at random to have their What If question answered. Please email us at whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com after filling out your survey, and we’ll send you back the bonus episode.

Join our Patreon for a better chance of having your question answered! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!

What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com. This week’s artwork by malmirk.

109. What if the fur force crash landed in a wormhole and went to the future? (Fur vs. Tech: Part 1)

It’s the Incatible Hulk’s first mission with the Fur Force… only there’s no mission! I guess they’ll just have to jump in a rocket ship!

It's the Incatible Hulk's first mission with the Fur Force... only there's no mission! I guess they'll just have to jump in a rocket ship! Lessons include: Technology can be very useful as long as you use it responsibly; there's so much more to this world than screens!

Lessons include: Technology can be very useful as long as you use it responsibly; there’s so much more to this world than screens!

This 1 minute survey gets you a free bonus episode! It’s anonymous and just asks questions about parents. The bonus episode is a mad lib story where Fred the Dog is turned into a cat by Abacus P. Grumbler! One lucky family will also be chosen at random to have their What If question answered. Please email us at whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com after filling out your survey, and we’ll send you back the bonus episode.

Join our Patreon for a better chance of having your question answered! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!

What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe. Additional songs and sound effects from audioblocks.com.

104. What if cats turned into fairies and there was a super hero cat? (Purrcy: Part 2)

The Fur Force has to stop Toyger from turning the seas pink, but a horde of fairy cats and super cats are in the way. Let’s visit the now-pink beaches of What If World and find out how this two-part episode ends!

The Fur Force has to stop Toyger from turning the seas pink, but a horde of fairy cats and super cats are in the way. Let's visit the now-pink beaches of What If World and find out how this two-part episode ends!

Lessons include: Special powers always carry a risk, but feeling special is as simple as finding wonder in the world around you, and all its lovely people.

This 1 minute survey gets you a free bonus episode! It’s anonymous and just asks questions about parents. The bonus episode is a fun mad lib story where Fred the Dog is turned into Fred the Cat by Abacus P. Grumbler! One lucky family will also be chosen at random to have their What If question answered. Please email us at whatifworldpodcast@gmail.com after filling out your survey, and we’ll send you back the bonus episode.

Join our Patreon for a better chance of having your question answered! Patron eps are always ad-free & released early, with higher quality audio. Kids can also get a shout out on the show from their favorite character, bonus stories, snail mail from Mr. Eric, and a much better chance of having their question turned into a story!

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What If World is made by Eric O’Keeffe with help from Karen Marshall O'Keeffe. Our theme song is by Craig Martinson and our podcast art is by Jason O’Keefe.