The Story Behind The Penny and Joe Podcast — How Two Sneaky Raccoons Took Over Our Storytime

Hi there, and welcome to our little corner of the internet!

I wanted to share a bit about how The Penny and Joe Podcast began, why I’m creating it, and the big dreams I have for how it might light up kids’ lives — including my own daughter’s.

It all started with one very tired mom (me!) and one extremely awake child.

I was deep in the parenting trenches — exhausted, out of ideas, and in desperate need of something that would calm my daughter down and make her laugh. So one night, I made up a silly story about two sneaky raccoons who lived in Beacon Hill Park. Their names were Penny and Joe, and they were clever, curious, always getting into trouble, and somehow always making it home in one piece.

To my surprise, my daughter loved it. She giggled. She asked for more. So I kept telling Penny and Joe stories, night after night — each one wilder and sillier than the last.

This little tradition quickly became something special — a way for the two of us to connect, laugh, and slow down together at the end of the day. And somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted to share it beyond just our little family. I wanted to create something other kids could listen to that felt loving, warm, and just the right amount of sneaky.

So The Penny and Joe Podcast was born — a podcast full of laughter, mischief, raccoon-level snack thievery, and heartfelt moments, all made with kids (and their tired caregivers) in mind.

Why I’m Making This Podcast

I believe in the magic of storytelling — not just for fun, but for connection. Stories help kids understand the world, express their feelings, and feel seen and safe. They create bonds, spark imaginations, and give children the kind of comfort and joy that stays with them for life.

This project is about that kind of magic. It’s about building something my daughter and I can share — and something your family can share too.

I hope The Penny and Joe Podcast gives you a few minutes of peace, a few giggles at bedtime or in the car, and a cozy space where kids can hear that being curious, silly, and a little bit wild is just part of growing up.

What I Hope Penny and Joe Bring Into Kids’ Lives

More than anything, I hope kids who listen to The Penny and Joe Podcast feel loved. I hope they feel like they’re part of something playful and safe. I hope they laugh. I hope they dream. And I hope they fall asleep smiling, imagining raccoon adventures and knowing that no matter what kind of trouble they get into, they are always loved and welcomed home.

Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for letting Penny and Joe be part of your family’s story too.

With love,
Aunty Asta
Creator of The Penny and Joe Podcast