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Steph and the Storytime Crew
Steph and the Storytime Crew is a podcast of gentle, engaging stories that help kids regulate emotions, feel safe in their bodies, and navigate the ups and downs of growing up.
Created by therapist and mum Steph McCarter, each 15–30 minute story supports emotional resilience, self-worth, and nervous system regulation - covering everything from anxiety and big feelings to friendships, confidence, and self-trust.
While many families love the stories at bedtime, teachers and educators also use them in classrooms, calm corners, and transition times to support focus, connection, and emotional balance.
Perfect for ages 5 through to 12 (and the grown-ups who listen too), especially sensitive, deep-feeling, neurodivergent, or anxious kids who experience the world a little more intensely.
Blending storytelling with nervous system wisdom, Steph also supports families through neurodiversity coaching - helping parents better understand and support their beautifully unique kids.
Think: big feelings, funny animals, gentle tools, and moments of calm that kids actually enjoy.
New stories added regularly.
Steph and the Storytime Crew
Gus the Gorilla's Big Blow Up
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Tonight’s Sleepytime Crew adventure stars Gus the Gorilla, who’s usually a pretty chilled kinda guy... until Pancake Day goes completely wrong.
When someone pushes in front of him in the line and nobody notices how upset he is, Gus tries so hard to hold all those BIG feelings in. But big feelings don’t like being pushed down or ignored, and before long, Gus lets out a roar so loud it shakes the Jungle Junction treetops.
Join Steph and the Sleepytime Crew as Gus learns that anger isn’t something to squash or hide or ignore - it’s something that he needs to move through. With help from his friend, Calmille the Chameleon, Gus discovers a powerful way to feel his feelings without blowing up, and finds out just how good it feels to let the storm pass through him.
This gentle, funny, and relatable story helps kids:
– Recognise the early signs of anger
– Understand the role of movement in calming down
– Learn a simple tool to help manage their anger (M.B.T!)
– Feel safe and seen in their big emotions
So snuggle in, take a deep breath, and let’s find out how Gus the Gorilla moves from meltdown... to mellow.
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Hi, I’m Steph — a mum to a sensitive little guy and an integrative therapist who works with kids to regulate their nervous systems (as well as adults!). I know how important it is that every child feels safe, seen, and loved just as they are. I created Steph and the Sleepytime Crew to help kids wind down with stories that spark giggles, build confidence, and support emotional and social wellbeing — one bedtime at a time.
Thanks for listening and letting me and the Sleepytime Crew be part of your family’s night-time routine!