Common Sense Media Review
By Robert Yaniz Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stories based on kid-submitted questions with life lessons.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
WHAT IF WORLD - STORIES FOR KIDS imagines a place where anything is possible, and anything can happen. Host Eric O'Keeffe voices all the characters in each story based off of submitted questions by kids that ask "What if...?" This podcast brings these what ifs to life through each imaginative story, while also including important social-emotional lessons for young listeners. Other episodes feature a trivia-based format that tests O'Keeffe's own knowledge of the show, while others offer calming stories for meditation perfect for quiet time or bedtime. An ad-free version of the show is available to paid subscribers with additional bonus content.
Is It Any Good?
Host Eric O'Keeffe capably leads listeners into a wacky, magical world where the limit is their own imagination in this unique storytelling podcast. In a landscape oversaturated by kids storytelling podcasts, What If World sets itself apart with a format unlike its counterparts. And the production value -- from the sound mixing to O'Keeffe's flawless voice acting -- is top-notch.
If there's any downside, it perhaps lies in the limited scope of its intended listenership. The listener-submitted questions that drive the show's stories might appeal to younger kids, but older kids may lose interest with its offbeat approach and over-the-top characters. For the right age group, though, What If World could be the key some listeners need to get their own creative juices flowing long after the episodes have ended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how What If World uses the power of kids' curiosity to create a story from their questions. Why is curiosity so important to storytelling? Can you come up with some questions of your own to send in to the show?
What If World embodies the power of imagination to a wild degree. What sparks your imagination? What limits your imagination? What can you do to spark your imagination on purpose, and how can trusted adults be helpful in this?
Unlike a book or a movie or TV show, these stories are told through audio only. What differences do you experience when listening to a story instead of seeing it?
Compassion, courage and empathy are common themes found in the stories told. Why are these important character strengths?
Podcast Details
- Release date : September 26, 2016
- Genre : Storytelling
- Run time : 20 minutes
- Website : http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/
- Host : Eric O’Keeffe
- Production Company and Network : Independent
- Pricing structure : Paid, Free (Many episodes are free to listen to, but bonus content and episodes are available with subscription of $2.99/month or $29.99/yr.)
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Pirates
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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