Audio Central
Here you'll find a variety of Christ centered, entertaining, and story filled audios that are designed to teach and bring those listening to a better understanding of life with Christ, or to pass a simple half hour with a safe, wholesome, screen free story.
Paws and Tales
Insight for Living, the Bible teaching ministry by Pastor Chuck Swindoll, has created a wonderful audio series for kids! This series follows animals in the town of Wildwood as they learn life lessons, explore, and discover God's truth. Set around the 1910s, the atmosphere has a unique charm with its small-town community, several classes taught by one teacher, and fishing being a favorite activity of the kids. Paws and Tales encourages imagination, good relationships with parents, lessons in honesty, courage, our relationship with God, and has some wonderful analogies and teachings about the spiritual battles we face as Christians on the daily. The show doesn’t sugar coat, as in - if a kid sins, it’s called sin. It is extremely well written with kids ages 8-12 that are realistic sounding in dialog, and the voice actors did a wonderful job! (Note: The voice actors do change for the last two seasons because the original kiddos who voiced them aged out, which is to be expected with audio dramas.) I can’t remember how I stumbled across this gem, but I thank God as it has convicted me personally several times, and in my opinion it has all of the characteristics of a timeless classic. I love this series for multiple reasons, but one of them is the note David Carl (creator of Paws and Tales) added at the end of the second episode of the first season, titled, Grace to Hugh. “Hi, this is David Carl, creator and producer of Paws and Tales. There's nothing we feel more strongly about at Insight for Living than the teaching of scriptures and teaching them accurately. It's been our mission here for over 20 years. And Paws and Tales is all about teaching the truths of Scripture. But you know what? Your kids are going to be so engaged, so busy laughing and singing along, they may not even know that they're learning. Now, chances are, as a grown-up, you've learned some things about God, things that are not in the Bible. It could take years, perhaps the rest of your life, to unlearn them. But if you learn the truth of God from the Scriptures while you're still young, think of the freedom, think of the joy that would be a part of your everyday life. That's what we want to do. By listening to Paws and Tales, your kids will learn about prayer. They'll learn that sin is serious, that it can have consequences that go on for generations. They'll also learn that the God of Scripture is a forgiving God, a God of infinite grace. They'll learn that the Bible is an exciting book that has stories that are more amazing than anything they've ever heard because they're true. If every child could know these things, think of the difference it would make in their lives. Well, that's why we've created this children's radio program called Paws and Tails. Now, Wildwood is a town where C.J., a nine-year-old grizzly cub, lives. His friends include Stacy, a nine-year-old brown bear who is as smart and brave as they come. Then there's Ned, a beaver, Marsha, a moose calf, and Goose, just your typical third grader who happens to be a weasel. They're all caught up in all sorts of adventures, sometimes getting themselves into some pretty serious trouble. When they need help, they'll often head right off to Paw Paw Chuck's fix-it shop. Now, Paw Paw Chuck is a grizzly bear that's become kind of a grandpa to the kids in the town. Now, aside from fixing things around the house, he's there to help introduce the kids to the things God has in mind for them. Big things. Things that CJ in particular cannot even imagine yet. In fact, there will be things going on in Wildwood that will threaten Paw Paw Chuck and the entire town, unless there are those who will step up and say, Here am I, Lord, send me. That's what Paws and Tales is all about, communicating God's truth, and that we are called by Him to a life of adventure and sometimes hardship, but by the grace of God and through His power, we can become overcomers.” And did I mention, there are original and fun songs at the end of each episode about the theme or lesson? They range in music style from something you’d hear in a kid's church play, to a sea shanty, to a fifties doo-wop, a western, and much, much more! Most importantly, Paws and Tales is a listener supported ministry and even though the series itself is finished, help is still needed to continue updating the website with more activities, information, coloring pages and activity sheets, art, etc. and especially for promotional needs to share paws and tales with the next generation! I was so pleasantly surprised to find that this is still a current and active ministry! God has and can continue to use it for great things and to lead kids and people in general to Christ! I’m 26 and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it’s written so well that I think people of all ages would love it!
Children's Bible Hour
Children's Bible Hour, also known as CBH Ministries, started in 1943 as a radio ministry. Originally hosted by Aunt Bertha, the show went on for about 30 years before Uncle Charlie (Charlie Vandermeer) took over. I grew up with Uncle Charlie and really enjoyed the radio show. I still fondly remember when Mom brought home this huge pack of radio CDs with a bunch of smaller stories on it. There were 3 types of shows. 30 minutes, 14 minutes, and 4.5 minutes. Each show included a hymn or sunday school song, sung by a kids choir, and reciting a verse or two occasionally. The longer shows would also include bible drills and quizzes, or segments where the kids were interviewed. After that, Uncle Charlie would come in and either read or introduce the story. The topics covered varied but were always Christ centered and ranged from exciting to heartwarming, to educational and even historical. Keys for Kids is what they called their shorter 4.5 minute shows, which were connected with the Keys for Kids book devotionals and the company made. Keys for Kids Ministries is the focus now, but you can still access the old episodes on the website archive or check out the various dates on the wayback machine!
POWER Kids / Family Truth Ministries
POWER Kids, started by Family Truth Ministries in 2022, was long in the making. Started by a team of passionate people who love God, science, education, and creation, the goal became to develop a curriculum to help others and point people to Christ. In fact, the word POWER is actually an acronym. It stands for Providing Others With Educational Resources. I am praying this ministry really takes off so it can expand and reach more people, because it is really well done. Working alongside photographers all over the world, micro photographers, artists, graphics designers, with a touch of AI and Digital 3D designers, you get immersed into a colorful, educational world that teaches all about God's creation and science in a fun and exciting way. Here's a specific explanation from their website! "POWER Kids International equips families and educators (in diverse learning environments) with robust science resources. As a faith-based, modular education platform, we deliver both digital and physical materials that reveal God's magnificent creation through Scripture and experiential learning. Our curriculum adapts to multiple learning styles, ensuring every child can explore the wonders of science while deepening their personal walk with God." Also from their website, here is the why behind the ministry: "The main why factor, is a beautiful reflection of our Savior, and the love and passion that Jesus Christ has given us to change the world through the lives of the next generation. Our ministry's founder, spent years in children's ministries of about every avenue, traveled many states, and witness a large need to curricular materials in Science and the Bible founded on the Word of God but more importantly, could be taken and used in a variety of ways because everyone has multiple teaching styles, needs and approaches. So many needs that POWER Kids International could fill in foreign missions, churches, families, school programs and Sunday Schools. We pray our why is because there is a large need and God called us to rise up and fill that need in solid Christian children's education. God's Word: The Center Point God's World: The Classroom Evidence: The Connection Factor" I highly encourage you to go check out their website and see about supporting the ministry. You can even do so by purchasing Family Truth's Audio Adventure Series called Coral Island Adventures, the series ending in 2017. While not the primary focus, any purchase of said series goes directly to Family Truth Ministries and helping them spread the gospel through POWER Kids, cover costs, and serve God! If you're wanting my opinion on the audio drama, it's this: Pretty good! Fast paced, and if you're a bit more on the emotionally tender side, definitely space out the episodes because the dramatic stakes get high fast! And if you have a kiddo who's the same way, preview it first, or sit and listen with them! (I say all this as an emotionally tender person myself!) There are lots of scientific and historical facts as well as bible verses! I learned a lot academically from the series, and it was encouraging to hear kids, albeit fictional, so passionate about God and hearing them recite scripture! A short way to describe it would be...a christian auidio drama for kids with indiana jones levels of excitement! Their website where you can sample and purchase full episodes has summaries of the plot, without giving everything away, so rest assured you won't be listening in the dark so to speak. But that aside, the main focus is POWER Kids. Anything purchased from Family Truth Ministries or donated to them helps cover general costs and the furthering of this incredible scientific educational resource that I hope will influence others to go to Christ for years to come.
Adventures in Odyssey
Adventures in Odyssey is an absolute giant in the world of Christian audio dramas and is a common household name as it's been around since 1987 and since then has produced over 1,000 episodes! The adventures are set in the idealistic small town of odyssey, where kids play at a local ice cream shop and discovery emporium called Whit's End, run by the adopted town grandfather John Avery Whittaker. The series follows a variety of arcs. There are simple single episode morals such as the importance of obedience through Farmer Riley telling a story about his childhood misadventure with disobedience and delivering medicine to someone across the forest. And then there are more complex two parters, like the one called "The Imagination Station" the debut of Whit's invention to introduce kids to the bible in a new way, in that one, a kid who thinks the bible is boring ends up going on this adventure to bible times and seeing the true story of Jesus and accepting Christ! And even beyond that, there are entire story arcs of good vs. evil with Whit's End vs. the evil Dr. Blackgaard and the Novacom series! A big mysterious tech company who builds a tower on Tom Riley's land for nefarious purposes! But unless you listen to those specific albums, these episodes are spaced out with standard shows, making the build up more exciting and making the timeline continous rather than happening suddenly, all at once. While most of the show is available on CD, the company prioritizes ditigal and you can purchase MP3 collections - or simply subscribe to their app. It's a two-week free trial, and then $9.99 a month. With this app, you get access to every piece of content they've ever made, bonus features, access to the adventures in odyssey cartoons they put out at one point, a bonus monthly episode exclusively for club subscription members, soundtrack albums and early access to the new episodes as they are released on the app! It's a timeless classic that I can listen to multiple times and never get tired of! And I love how the last handful of albums have teenager characters as well, ministering to an age group I feel gets ignored when it comes to audio drama, so that's lovely to see. There have been a few changes in voice actors, due to either a career change or an unfortunate/sudden passing - however, God has still used this series to bring many people to Christ and give hope, comfort, company, learning, and entertainment to all who listen.
Patch the Pirate
Patch the Pirate, started in 1981 with the tape and eventually CD of Sing Along with Patch the Pirate. Founded by Majesty Music, the series has 46 CD/Mp3 adventures filled with character building stories and songs. Aimed toward younger kids, but enjoyable enough that parents can listen with their kids, or if you're craving something nostalgic, this is the way to go! Ron Hamilton passed away in April 2023 after a long and prosperous ministry and a full, godly life. Having always loved music, he worked on the songs and stories after discovering he had cancer in his left eye. It was able to be removed, and he was given a patch. The kids at church called him patch the pirate, and the name stuck. Inspiration struck, and the rest is history! His children are continuing the ministry and more CDs are coming out each year, along with wonderful music CDs from the Hamilton family and a few other products like Sunday School materials and song books! My personal favorite song from Ron Hamilton is Rejoice in the Lord. It's a very comforting song that inspires hope in the Lord despite the trials one may face. Overall, it's a treasured memory, a fun time, and a great ministry.
Disclaimer: This page is for the promotion of ministries and outreaches. The views of individuals within the promoted ministries or audios do not necessarily reflect the views of the creator / writer of this blog.
Kids Corner / Liz & Friends
This is a half-hour audio drama/podcast (started in 2004) is about Liz (a 12-year-old lizard kid) and his reptile friends in this little town called Terrene, and they are always chasing fun and accidentally stumbling into messes they have to learn their way out of. It’s funny and adventurous, but it also slips in real, practical Bible-based lessons with the help of the grown-ups (like Grandpa Anole and Granny Gecko) without turning into a lecture. And a few (not all) episodes include a song as a bonus feature at the end of an episode! It's honestly such a sweet way to give kids faith forming stories that will build their character and help them depend on God.
Radio Theatre and More!
This post is for any short lived or rarely produced radio shows and audio adventures from a variety of companies! The company that created Adventures in Odyssey didn't limit itself to only kids content. Focus on the Family Radio Theater has created some wonderful audio classics, such as the Chronicles of Narnia audiobook series, Little Women, the Secret Garden, and more! Varying from cheerful classics to somber stories that stood the test of time, it is something great for the older children and adults in the family. There are literary classics brought to life such as Oliver Twist, tragedies like Billy Budd Sailor, and Father Gilbert Mysteries for those who've graduated from Nancy Drew and want something more. And these aren't just audio books. These are fully dramatized audio productions with voice actors, sound effects, music, the whole nine yards - everything you could ever need or want to immerse yourself in the radio theater show and experience. Then there's a link to a slightly more budget friendly option for some of the titles on Christianbook.com! There's also the handful of classic fairytales from Lifehouse Theatre on the Air - including youtube clips to give you a sample of what they are like! Lastly, there's a single audio drama from a company called Comforting Mercies Ministries, and this company had several wonderful stories I loved listening to as a kid. But since it's been a while, this is the only one available online right now, but it's still a lot of fun!
